Abe Goodale

Maine is home to a celebrated lineage of artists captivated by the sea; Etnier, Homer, Marin, and Wyeth. We found this connection to art and sea to be true with our featured artist, Abe Goodale, who, one might say, has artistic ability hardwired in his DNA. Both his uncle and grandfather were accomplished painters, and his great-great-grandfather was the celebrated 19th-century illustrator, Charles Dana Gibson, most well-known as the creator of the Gibson Girl.

Goodale’s artwork features the authentic, ephemeral, and raw moments one can only find while on the ocean. His most recent series, now on display in the Freeport showroom, represents both legendary boats of the past and sailing vessels of today. 

How did you discover art?

I grew up on a working sheep farm in Monteville, Maine, and I have always had a connection to the land, and ocean, a curiosity of people, and a passion for creativity. Since I was a child, I’ve had a pencil in hand. Some would say it runs in the family, some call it passion, and some say both. I started young, went to school for ceramics and recreation management, traveled the world creating and connecting with people, and recently I’ve shifted into working full-time as a painter, doing boat commissions, and I absolutely love it.

Dawns Fall

What emotion or story do you hope your work conveys?

Through the accurate representation of style, proportion, and sheer, I hope to capture the audience on an intimate level of reflection and sincerity with technically correct and beautiful images within the world of sailing. I strive to capture a freeness and lightness, an ethereal nature that allows one’s mind to wander beyond the linear and into the horizon, the mist, a feeling, and times of the past. I want my paintings to reflect and respect the individuals I encounter. This is where my work begins. I start within a person’s eyes and gradually bring them to life while presenting a portrait and an individual who tells a story and engages with the viewer authentically. I try to accurately represent my subjects while also allowing the medium and process to speak.

Your work is realistic with elements of abstraction.

How do you achieve this quality in your paintings?

One technique that I absolutely love is salt in my watercolors. It creates a physical connection between technique and the subject matter. When you look at the sails and often the hulls of these boats, you will see a sort of abstraction and flashing of pigment. This abstraction varies depending on the size of the salt granules and when it is added during the drying process as the salt attracts and absorbs the water leaving behind only pigment. I use this technique to create depth, transparency, and area of interest throughout a painting.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My favorite bit of advice was from my older sister, an artist and simply an amazing human. She was finishing her degree in illustration when I called and asked her how to paint. Until then, I had worked with graphite; I had studied ceramics and was beginning to explore the art of paint and pallet. I remember her clear as day. She said, “Abe, there are no rules, do whatever you want, explore, and have fun.”

That’s it.

These days, as Abe visits Acre Island Studio, part of his family’s legacy, for a few short weeks every autumn, he continues to carry the torch started by his great-great-grandfather. Abe’s work represents an era and a way of documenting and preserving a thriving yet fragile culture on the Maine waters he grew up on through his visually enticing images.

To learn more about Abe Goodale and view more of his paintings, visit our Freeport showroom or find him online at Abe Goodale or Instagram @abegoodale.