Monhegan, Maine

Eleven miles off the Maine coast is a small island – less than two square miles. It is a fishing community, an artist colony and summer destination for those among us looking for a few moments away from the franticness of everyday life. In 1978 a friend invited my wife and I to join her on the island. I argued with my wife against going. I lost.

On the first morning on the island I went outside to draw. When I returned my friend, and my

wife asked to see what I had accomplished. “Not a thing,” I said. This place is too damn

beautiful. I didn’t know where to start.” I eventually overcame this dilemma which led to

the only representational work I ever did in my sixty five years as an artist. I estimate I

have spent in total ten of the last forty six years on Monhegan Island and feel it is time I

did some more paintings there. - Jerry Vis