Marguerite S. Pearson
A grand procession of yachts race along a stretch of the Rockport coastline before the view of local artist Marguerite Pearson. Adept with the use of strong coloration and compositional balance, her presentation of foreground fauna compliments the parallel symmetry of the masts and full sails. The racers are being pushed dangerous close to shore by the onshore breeze. A Rockport lobster boat slowly cruises before the yachts, with buoy floats possibly marking placed traps and the hidden reef.
Active in a variety of community functions, Pearson triumphed artistically while facing the difficulty of life in a wheelchair. Outdoor scenes are less frequent in her body of work, which covered many genres. The irresistible pull of speeding upon the ocean under sail appeals to many, with no less than 40 yacht clubs in Massachusetts alone. It is of interest to note that Pearson, known for her depictions of humans at work indoors, chose to show the yachts as subjects without a visible human presence.
A delicate touch is displayed by the artist in a slash and dash approach which brings about emotive movement to the yachts, and the vast horizon beyond. The impasto of the rocky coastline translates into a much heavier physical reality in contrast to the wispy essence of sky. The strongest coloration is saved for the tree's leaves and the varied hued racing hulls.
Inscribed Verso with Title by Artist
