Tony van Hasselt as an elected signature member of the American Watercolor Society, finds his inspiration on location, wherever that might be, and the watercolor medium lends itself well to the gypsy spirit in him. An

The artist is fascinated by the patterns of sunlight and shade, formed by nature, as well as on the structural elements around him, be it locally or at some faraway painters paradise. Mother Nature, according to Tony offers great inspiration when observed in person. As a result, most of his actual painting is done plein air, while the finishing touches are added in the studio.

To work exclusively inside is not for this artist. Most seasons of the year, you'll find him out painting a placid scene or in the middle of our busy farmers market. Even in the snow, when paint crystallizes on the palette and brush. "At those times, I actually paint with colored slush, which in turn creates wonderful effects on the paper,” said Tony. The artist feels the need to be in the midst of a scene to be able to translate that three-dimensional subject onto his two-dimensional painting surface.

He classifies himself a representational painter. However, according to Tony, different subjects bring out different forms of translation, so when he feels a scene requires it, he enjoys the freedom to work in a more exciting, decorative and calligraphic manner.

Both painting styles will be on display in the upstairs community room throughout  September. Year-round  in Boothbay Harbor van Hasselt's watercolors, books and DVD's are on display at Boothbay Harbor Framers and Gallery and at Studio 53 Fine Art. For more on the work of Tony van Hasselt and learning opportunities with the artist as instructor, visit http://vanhasseltworkshops.com and 

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