In 2022, renowned portrait artist Morgan Penn envisioned a modern-day tribute to Britain's hardworking fishermen. He shared his concept sketch on social media, inviting the community to join him on this artistic journey.
Gathering a crew of eight fishermen to pose for the portrait was a daunting task. Luckily, the fishing community stepped in, and Through the Gaps offered their expertise to bring Morgan's vision to life.
During the 2022 Christmas lay-up period, a group of Newlyn fishermen gathered aboard the beam trawler, Enterprise, to participate in the project and bring the artist's concept to life.
Camera in hand and under Morgan's watchful eye and the curious gaze of onlookers, the fishermen took on their assigned poses, creating a scene that captured the essence of their profession.
The resulting photographs served as reference points for his studio work. Tragically, one of the fishermen featured in the portrait passed away before its completion. The artwork now stands as a lasting tribute to his life and his connection to the sea.
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| Prawn trawling: 8am, hauling on the Smalls. |
An intriguing detail emerged during the project: Penn's original concept sketch bore a striking resemblance to a photograph taken aboard the Keriolet trawler in the 1980s. Incorporating elements from the old photo added a layer of authenticity to the final painting.
Learn more about the creative process behind the portrait by scrolling through the accompanying booklet below. The finished artwork is on display at the Royal Society of Marine Artists' annual exhibition at the Mall Gallery, London, from September 19th to 28th.
Penn's "The Shipping Forecast" depicts eight fishermen hard at work on a trawler. Each crew member was asked to contribute a personal item to the painting, adding a unique touch to the artwork. One such item, a tiny panda, holds a special significance. It was given to one of the fishermen on the day of his birth by his mother's best friend and was sometimes packed in his sea-bag, even on trips to Rockall.
The oil-on-linen painting, measuring 120cm square, showcases the intricate details of the fishermen's work on deck and the personal items that connect them to the sea. By examining the artwork closely, viewers can discover the hidden stories and symbolism woven into the scene.
Morgan Penn's studio portrait work can be seen here.
All the works in this year's The Royal Society of British Marine Artists exhibition can be viewed here.
The Royal Society of British Marine Artists web site can be seen here.
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