Unity B - A Perfect Wedding Gift
Kassie Sprague Tayor"Now that I am older and have been painting for many years, I find that much of the painting's success lies in knowing when not to do something rather than overdoing it. The eye becomes trained in composition and color, and sometimes a painting may be complete and successful when not completed in every aspect. Knowing when to let go, when to quit, when to ease off and say to yourself, 'I think it's done, but I'll look at it tomorrow to make sure'"
Al Sprague, Artist's Journal, October 1, 1992
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Unity B, 1998
Dad fell in love with the culture of The Bahamas. He was introduced to it by Bill Boyd - a serious art collector and dear friend. He knew if Dad visited the islands of the Bahamas he would be so taken by its beauty that he would want to capture it in paintings. That is exactly what happened!
Dad loved everything that he saw but was particularly taken by the traditional Bahamian Smacks (wooden sailboats) used by the native fishermen. He traveled around Nassau and the Abacos to capture material to take back to his studio in Naples, Florida.
Today, the Smacks are no longer found. The fishermen use other forms of transportation and the old wooden sailboats are part of Bahamian history. The Unity B., owned by Alfred Bain, was a very historical vessel and one that Dad captured in many of his paintings - one in which is part of my personal art collection.
Thirty five years ago, Unity B. arrived on my doorstep as a wedding gift. Today, it is a main focal point in my house as it hangs over the top of my stone fireplace. This 60" x 40" oil painting reminds me daily of Dad. Over the last few years of his life, Dad was led to paint the Islands of the Bahamas again. He believed he could capture scenes of the islands like no other. He didn't really care if anybody purchased the paintings or not - he just wanted to paint them.
"Dad, thank you for seeing the beauty of the islands and sharing it with me. Every day I see Unity B., I think to myself - you were a master at so many things; especially a master at knowing how to paint!"