Sunlight and Cloud on the Passage to Malta, from the Artist’s Website
Art and adventure are inextricably linked, as the very act of creation is rooted in exploration and discovery. Brenchin Morgan has taken that concept to the next level. The Connecticut native spent nearly five years sailing around the world by himself on the Otter, a 27 foot sailboat. As he made this fantastic journey, he filled 18 watercolor sketchbooks and a ten volume journal with enough reference material to fuel his creative output for many years.
We’re unabashed fans of Brenchin’s work. In his paintings, we find perspectives both wholly unique and yet utterly familiar: from the prow of the Otter, even the most devoted landlubber can see the appeal of sailing the ocean blue. The sea is captured in her many moods and moments, giving the viewer a glimpse of her ability to be paradisaically calm one moment and potentially terrifying the next.
Nellie, from the Artist’s Website
“The visual poetry of the many seas I have sailed, its far-flung islands and the ships that venture on it continue to inspire my work,” Brenchin explained. Working full time as an artist came after decades of owning and operating a sign painting business; previous to that, Brenchin worked at sea, including a stint on an oyster boat.
His career trajectory is especially unique in that it included five years sailing around the world alone, but Morgan is part of what the Bureau of Labor Statistics is calling a larger trend: people in their fifties, sixties and seventies are increasingly active in the arts. It is a time of life when University of Chicago David Galenson has identified as the period in life when people are most likely to do meaningful, influential work.
Dragger Running Through Quick’s Hole, from the Artist’s Website
In addition to works drawn from his extensive sailing adventures, Brenchin is known for his commissions. His work is a favorite of the New England nautical community, who appreciate both the beauty of the work and the accuracy in the renderings. His newest work is guaranteed to generate excitement among collectors looking for pieces authentic to New England waters.
Brenchin is a regular participant in Open Studios, and welcomes scheduled studio visits. Interested viewers may schedule a tour by emailing him.