Title & Artist:  "Codfish Panorama" – by Sheila Farren Billings

Medium & Size:  Acrylic paints on wood.  21 7/8" L x 8 5/8" H x 3/4" D.  For indoor display only.

Artist Statement:  The North Shore is such a lovely place to live, and for an artist it is full of inspiration. The ocean, historic buildings, beautiful gardens, quaint neighborhoods....the list of subjects calling out to be painted goes on and on.

My codfish was inspired by my painting "Marblehead Panorama", which I did originally at Fort Sewall looking across the harbor toward Marblehead Neck. It was a perfect early summer day. The air was clear, and the light breeze brought out the sailboats. That breeze made my acrylic paints dry very fast, so I had to work quickly; but the speed and immediacy of paintings done en plein air is what gives them that special vibrance.

I felt that the shape of the codfish provided a perfect place to paint another version of the original "Marblehead Panorama" painting. The fish suggested an ocean theme, and the location was right for the Marblehead Festival of Arts, especially since my original panorama painting was awarded the People’s Choice Award! Using a slightly different color palette, I painted the codfish quickly so that I could keep the feel of the original plein air painting. I hope that my work gives your heart as much happiness as it has given mine!

Artist Biography:  Sheila Farren Billings is an award-winning local artist and the author/illustrator of four children’s books. Her work has been featured in shows and galleries around the North Shore. Sheila’s style is straightforward: clean lines, true colors, and upbeat messages. She likes to add details that invite the viewer to pause and think about the images portrayed.

Sheila grew up in a family of artists who inspired her creativity and encouraged her to experiment with various mediums and styles. During the nice weather, she loves to sit outside and paint on location, usually in watercolor or acrylic paint. On cold or rainy days, Sheila delights in working in her studio on more fanciful projects, including cut-paper designs, brilliantly colored abstracts, children’s illustrations, and Celtic-inspired drawings. She also enjoys designing logos and creating murals, both public and for private homes.

Sheila loves to work with her clients to create custom artwork with them! She finds that working within the constraints of their color, size, and budget preferences awakens her creativity. She has just opened a new shop with Diane Hoffman! Stop by and visit them in Shop #5 on Artists’ Row at 24 New Derby St. in Salem, MA.

Hosting Business:  "Codfish Panorama" is on display at Marblehead Bank, 21 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA. On July 1, this cod will be moved to Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., Marblehead, MA.