I did not realize until recently what a terrific artistic education I received as a very young man. My father, marine painter Roger W. Curtis, and his brother, Howard A. Curtis, Head of the Art Department at Gloucester High School (GHS), were both accomplished artists. Between them, they provided me with a complete art education using the creative principles of imagination, aesthetics, a love of beauty, and a knowledge of the principles of art. All these attributes provided a good grounding in the basics of painting excellence and what it takes to become a professional artist.
After graduating from GHS, I entered the atelier of Boston painter R H. Ives Gammell to learn to paint direct from nature. “Seeing, seeing, and more seeing” was Gammell’s creed! Gammell also inspired me always to study Art History! I left his Boston Studio in 1976, having become more interested in landscape painting than studio work, and returned home to Gloucester, Mass., where the beauty of Cape Ann provided infinite material for my brush.
With the benefit of these significant influences and success in landscape painting, I added, in 1993, Plein air classes and workshops following the great American Impressionists’ footsteps. Today, while continuing to paint and teach, I have continued my studies in technique and it’s immense Art History.
I have been fortunate to have won numerous painting awards in various art leagues, including the North Shore Arts Association (NSAA), the Rockport Art Association & Museum (RAA&M), and the Guild of Boston Artists (GBA). Also, I feel that, as an artist member of these organizations, it is essential to be an active member, especially participating in committees and Boards. I am a past President of the RAA&M (twice), past Chair of the Arts & Exhibitions Committee of the NSAA, and past member of the GBA Board of Managers. I was also the Gallery Manager of the GBA from 1986 – 1991.
As a teacher for over 25 years, I’ve learned so much from the continuing pursuit of Art and Art History, which I share with students, and painting; envisioning the flame of inspiration, and keeping it lit! I have partnered with Lorwen C Nagle, Ph.D., to create a Sight & Insight program. We offer courses in Gestalt thinking, Memory painting, and the Genesis of Painting!
My published works are “Field Notes for the Plein Air Painter,” and “Highlights and Accents.” In 2019, I was awarded The Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for Marquis Who’s Who Biographees “who have achieved career longevity and demonstrated unwavering excellence in their chosen field.”
David P. Curtis, Reflections, Oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in.
David P. Curtis, Sialla, Oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in.
David P. Curtis, The Longest Night, Oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in.
All images ©David P. Curtis