"THE WHELK SHELL". Unframed Print (#212 of 500) from original oil by Loretta Krupinsk. SIZE: 15" x 22". This dramatic painting features a charming trio of dories docked by a coastal pier. The extreme high contrast of dark water and brilliant white areas is offset by richly brilliant color accentsin the boats' trim and exteriors. Ms. Krupinski's impressive knowledge of boats is evident in the accuracy of line and form, and despite the tranquil nature of the scene, she has achieved great visual excitement with the use of strong diagonals and elegant undulations in the water's reflections.

Loretta Krupinski is a contemporary marine artist who believes that her paintings will preserve a part of history that is fast disappearing - classic wood racing boats, lighthouses and working harbors. But her work is not limited to historical subjects. She also paints dazzling coastal landscapes and colorful still lifes, all reflecting the beauty and tradition of the Maine coast. Ms. Krupinski is on the Board of Directors and a Fellow of ASMA, and she has juried ASMA shows in major museums in the Northeast. She herself is a four-time award winner of the International Marine Artists Show in Mystic, Connecticut. Her work has been featured in many publications, including Nautical Quarterly and Marine Paintings (Rayfield). She is an author and illustrator of children's books, and has won several awards including two Outstanding Trade Book Awards, an International Reading Association Award and the Elementary School Library Collection Award.