Wyeth's Maine

~Andrew Wyeth~

July 12, 1917 ~ January 16, 2009

{Image~ Peter Ralston}

~On The Edge~

On Monday I visited the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, Maine.

What a gift.

I am a fan of the works of the late Andrew Wyeth.

I have been for years. Just out of high school I started collecting Wyeth prints and having them matted and framed.

Fast-forward several years... I became the gardener on an estate here in central Maine. One of the owners was a gallery owner in New York City. He was a friend of Andrew Wyeth and held the exclusive for Wyeths at his gallery.

Occasionally Andrew Wyeth and his wife Betsy would visit the estate. One particular August the famed artist was due to arrive for a weekend visit. I knew well of this pending visit- I arranged the flowers for the guestroom that the Wyeth's would have for the weekend.


~Nicholas~

On that Saturday morning I made a quick trip down to the greenhouses to do some light watering and venting of the beautiful glass greenhouses. As I was driving up the lane to my home, also part of the family property, I saw an imposing figure walking along. I knew just who it was. Worn, baggy khaki pants, very faded navy canvas shoes and an old comfy navy cotton sweater- it was him. I pulled into my driveway and dashed inside. I went from window to window trying to catch the best view of the well known artist.
He made his way to the horses right across from my cottage.
I could see him gently clapping his hands to get their attention.

***

I took a deep breath, threw on a crisp white shirt, tossed a brush through my hair and nonchalantly walked outside of my cottage to where Mr. Wyeth was leaning against a newly painted white fence talking with a couple of the horses.

With the blush of a young woman I told him that I was a fan of his work. He was gentle~ he took my hand and put his other hand on my right shoulder. He was very complimentary of the gardens that I tended for the family and asked several questions about the horses and the greenhouses. He seemed more interested in the work that I was doing then talking about himself or his work.

It was a short but substantial introduction.

It made my summer.

This man was a gift to Maine and to art.
***
If you are in Maine or have the chance to
visit the Farnsworth Museum
it will be an afternoon well spent.
***
The Farnsworth Museum
16 Museum Street
Rockland, Maine
04841
207-596-6457

~Rockland, Maine~

Images:
Thank you to Peter Ralston {top} http://www.pralston.com/
Others are mine own