Harry Aiken Vincent, although claiming to be self-taught, probably had some artistic training in his hometown of Chicago. Vincent spent several years traveling and painting in Europe before returning to the U.S. at the outbreak of World War 1. In 1918, Vincent settled in Rockport, Massachusetts where he spent the rest of his life. He was one of the founders of the Rockport Art Association and exhibited frequently in both regional and national shows. Always an important member of the Cape Ann art colony, Vincent exhibited imagery that figured prominently in local exhibitions. His works also won several awards at the Salmagundi Club and the New York Water Color Club.
Vincent painted his seascapes on sight, frequently accompanying the Cape Ann fishermen out to sea in order to capture the spontaneity of their activities. This is a typical view of a Rockport harbor, executed in Vincent’s loose, painterly style. His spontaneous application of bright colors tends to give vibrancy to his scenes. In this work we find a strong sense of verticals in the two major masts, and horizontals, as the sailboats and accompanying rowboats are lined up. Yet, the scene is anything but static, thanks to the decorative application of flowing pigment and Vincent’s intuitive sense of Cape Ann’s brilliant light.
Courtesy of R.H. Love Gallery, Peoria, Illinois