Q. Can you tell me anything about the artist John Sisson? I have several black and white sketches by him including the “Seagull Restaurant, Succotash Rd., East Matunuck, Rhode Island”.
A. John Sisson was a self taught marine artist who …
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Q. Can you tell me anything about the artist John Sisson? I have several black and white sketches by him including the “Seagull Restaurant, Succotash Rd., East Matunuck, Rhode Island”.
A. John Sisson was a self taught marine artist who lived in South County. He worked as a fisherman and when a back injury kept him from returning to the sea, picked up drawing and painting. He first sold his works right on the docks with the paint still wet. Many were purchased by locals and people who worked in the fishing industry. John had worked on fishing boats and included details of working boats often overlooked by other artists. Some of his most acclaimed works portray draggers and fishing dories.
His works were sold in galleries for a time including Providence Picture Frame Company in Providence, which primarily sold his prints. He worked in oils and pen and ink. The Seagull Restaurant in Matunuck was located next to John’s studio and would also sell his paintings. The Seagull is now known as the Matunuck Oyster Bar.
Your print is based on a pen and ink drawing done of the restaurant in 1974. His works were most popular during this period. Some of his original works and prints are still available for sale on the website www.johnsissonmarineart.com.
Karen Waterman is a fine art, antique furniture and decorative arts appraiser in the East Bay area and will answer as many questions regarding your “hidden treasures” as possible. By sending a letter or email with a question you give full permission for use in the column. Names, addresses or e-mail will not be published and photos will be returned if requested. Send e-mails (digital photos preferred ) to watermanappraisal@gmail.com. Send snail mail to Waterman Appraisal and Consulting Services,PO Box 134, Barrington, RI 02806.