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Baltimore artist, Frank Nicolette, developed a love for the water early in his childhood. It's mystery and ever changing moods sparked a desire in the boy to become a marine artist. Living close to the Chesapeake Bay allowed him to paint daily the ever-changing beauty and grandeur God's creation. Determined to conquer the restless sea with his brush and paint, Nicolette's style of water has become his signature in the oil painting community. He successfully mastered this expressive imagery and, depicted the complexity of the sea.
It was inevitable that his love of the sea would lead Nicolette to study the ships that sailed upon it. Soon he was steeped in the romance of the great sailing ships and through life-long research acquainted himself with the most precise details of their construction. Chesapeake Bay craft naturally caught his attention. His intimate knowledge of them is reflected in the surety and confidence with which he painted them.
Mr. Nicolette studied for four years at the LeMillet School of Art followed by three years with Baltimore artist W. Reginald Watkins. Privileged acquaintance, Leonard Lane, provided guidance on the use of reflections and lighting which can be seen in many of Nicolette's work. The Civic Center, Annapolis Art Festival, Center Club and Gibson Island, are a few examples of his many art shows. Many of his paintings are in private collections, including the City of Baltimore, the American Oil Co. and Bethlehem Steel Corp. Captivating the art community he was featured on the cover of shipmates, the Naval Academy Alumi Magazine and the Port of Baltimore Magazine. His painting of the U.S.F. Constellation was used for the U.S.F. Constellation Foundation, Inc. brochure cover. The Publishers of Eugene Fergusen's ruxton of the Constellaton (with foreword by James Michener) selected Mr. Nicolette's painting for the jacket of the book. A great loss to his family, friends and the art community, Frank J. Nicolette died of a tragic brain tumor on November 19, 1985, while preparing for an art show. Ten years later after much consideration, his widow, Jenna, has decided to release his last works to art collectors.
The Pride of Baltimore and The Emma Giles are limited editions prints with certificates of authenticity.
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