Franklin Saye

Scenes of the Chesapeake Bay have become a passion for Saye. Aboard his sailboat, "Argentous", he searches for scenes that will evoke the mood and feelings best representing the Bay, especially the old workboats, farm houses and quaint villages that are fast disappearing. "We should try to preserve more of the old places that embody the character of the Bay. I can't do it physically, but I can paint the old boats and places that still exist so that years from now people will be able to see how it looked."

Although best known as a watercolor painter, Franklin Saye came from a successful, yet stress-filled corporate career. He had always wanted to be an artist, dabbling in it for relaxation. In l985 he took a leap of faith, faith in his talent that he could make a living as an artist. At his very first show he sold his watercolors and received an award. Greatly encouraged, he entered more shows, and published the first of what is now a collection of 26 limited edition prints. He now has collectors in 44 states and is represented in over 80 corporate collections. In l99l he was selected by the Richmond Times Dispatch/News Leader as one of "The Rising 25", one of the fastest growing businesses in the Richmond metropolitan area.....a significant accomplishment for an artist.

An article in "Annapolitan Magazine" describes his commitment to documenting the classic beauty of the Chesapeake and its environs. "It captured me," he says. "There's so much of the Bay that I haven't seen yet. There are always new places to go and new subjects to paint. I might paint other things occasionally, but I don't really think I'll ever want to find another subject."

McBride Gallery is pleased to present the work of this fine marine artist.