Painting Description

Riding by on my scooter, I could only catch a fleeting sight of this busy little boatyard right on Hamilton Harbour. I went back and took a number of photos and used a line that has served me well. People are sometimes reluctant, possibly embarrassed, to have me take photos of their activity, so here is my approach. I say, “My brother-in-law thinks that he is a carpenter (or painter, policeman or whatever) but I would like to take him a photo of what a real carpenter looks like.” A lie to be sure, but not an obvious one, I hope. For almost ten years I sold my paintings of Bermuda through a gallery in Hamilton. It was fortunate for us that the women who owned this gallery seemed to know everyone on the island and were able to set us up with a resident who was leaving this paradise to visit their son or daughter in America. One such occasion allowed us to rent a beautiful house right on Hamilton harbour. Our gallery connection got us invited to some lovely dinner parties which gave us some insight into the local culture. Many of these residents were there for just a few years, involved as they were in banking or insurance. However, there was a hardcore who were in the island for the long haul. Much partying, tennis-playing and riding were part of this dilettante culture. Nice work if you can get it. Jonathan, who seemed to be gainfully employed in some financial occupation, expressed the party spirit. “No alcohol for me tonight, just gin and tonic.”

This image is available for Licensing. Contact Cynthia [email protected] for inquiries.