Jack Wemp

Jack Wemp (November 29, 1925 – November 13, 2005) was an American artist who’s painting styles spanned depression era, expressionism, 60’s contemporary art styles and for the last 30 years of his life, realism (art) reminiscent of the Hudson River school.

Early Days

Born in Seattle, Washington in 1925. At the beginning of the Great Depression, his father moved the family to Vancouver, Canada. Encouraged by his artistically talented parents, Jack began to draw and paint at an early age and art was always his favorite school subject. In high school, he had the benefit of having a very talented and professional artist for an instructor. However, as much as an art career appealed to Jack, it seemed at the time, that a more stable career should be pursued. During his high school summer vacations, he worked as a cowhand on the vast Half-Diamond-One cattle ranch west of Calgary. This experience led him to the agricultural college of the University of Alberta, but after six months he volunteered for service in the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery and went overseas to England. When World War II ended, Jack was appointed as a staff artist by his commanding officer and this experience reinforced his desire to pursue art as a career.

Commercial Art

After his discharge from the service, Jack went on to study at the Art Center School (Art Center College of Design) in Los Angeles where he studied with such notables as Ed Reep. After a year of free lancing, he moved to New York City where he began work as an illustrator for a large Mid-town studio and later became the studio's art director. After three years, he opened his own studio in Manhattan producing illustrations, graphics, film and full scale national sales shows for such notable clients as Breck Shampoo and Johnson & Johnson.

Fine Artist

Although Jack produced dozens of paintings throughout his early days and commercial career,in 1977, he gave up his commercial art business to begin painting full-time. A keen interest in 19th century sailing ships and farming helped to shape the subject and style of his paintings. Earlier work exhibited his expressionist style in his landscape art and seascapes. Into the 80’s as his representational style developed, his vibrancy was evident in his tumultuous seas and magnificent skies. Always a stickler for detail, his attention to perspective and shadow were second to none. Often Wemp built models for his work to capture subtle shadings. His work always had a place in the seasons and a story behind it. Much of his work exhibited a heart and arrow with JW loves PW inscribed within. This symbol would be discreetly illustrated as a carving in a tree, building or furniture and was a testimony of his love for his wife of nearly 60 years, Peggy.

Of Note

*His work graces the cover of "John Devoy's Catalpa Expedition" (Catalpa rescue) (ISBN 0-8147-2748-4)
*Received The American Artists Professional League [http://www.americanartistsprofessionalleague.org] Award for Representational Art in 2004 and 2005
*Was a member and received an award from the Salmagundi Art Club [http://www.salmagundi.org] in NYC.
*Member of The Hudson Valley Art Association [http://www.hvaa.us] under which he sold pieces and received awards.
*Work exhibited extensively at Mystic Seaport Gallery and The Annapolis Marine Art Gallery [http://www.annapolismarineart.com/] .
*Wemp was chosen out of dozens of artists to paint the mural for The Northern Dutchess Hospital [http://www.ndhosp.com/home/default.asp] in Rhinebeck (village), New York.
*Numerous consignment pieces grace many homes and businesses across the country and one found a suitable home on a cruise ship.
*Rendition of Wemp's ancestor's barn The Greater Wemp Barn (built by Jan Wemp in the 1700s and recently purchased, moved and restored by Carl Touhey in Fuera Bush NY) is available through the non-profit organization, The Dutch Barn Preservation Society [http://threerivershms.com/dbps.htm] as a print.
*Wemp's estate continues an exclusive publishing deal with Applejack Art Partners in Vermont.

References

*Applejackart.com
*Interview with Peggy Wemp 2006