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Charles Wysocki was a masterful storyteller and everything he has put into this painting contributes to the heartfelt story of separation from family and home. The work draws us upward, our eyes ascend the staircase, lingering on the flowers which she has just picked in the garden, up to the opened envelope on the stairs and finally the letter held loosely in her hand. The sad news has come that her beloved captain has been detained "Another Year at Sea." We know in our hearts that she will not soon see white sails on the dark and boundless horizon outside her window.
"Another Year at Sea" marked one of Wysocki’s own ports of call on his artistic voyage. Broadening his technique and vision, he increasingly used perspective, realism and intensity of color to evoke an unforgettable mood. The theme is timeless as loved ones forever travel, and others are left behind, whether through work, war or adventure.
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Some things about Charles Wysocki’s life can be anticipated. For instance, he
collects Early American toys, tobacco tins, folk art, clocks, crockery and
books. High on the list of favorite places are Nantucket, Martha’s
Vineyard . . . and all of New England.
Other things are a surprise: while he paints typically New England scenes, he
lives in California. Yet one only has to look at his work to understand the
person. Born in Detroit in 1928, Wysocki enjoyed an active and happy boyhood,
which seems reflected in the spirit of his work. Since early childhood, he
had
no other desire than to be an artist.
After two years in the Army, Wysocki headed west to the Art Center School in
Los Angeles, the city where he met his wife Liz, to whom he attributes much of
his inspiration because she grew up on a farm. The aspects of her life that
affected him were the basics: hard work, personal closeness and contentment
with life’s "little things."
Wysocki adds, "I hope my paintings revive pleasant thoughts of a bygone era
and
express a semblance of order and serenity that fills a need in this fast-
changing world. I like to add a touch of humor into my work. I see life on
the lighter side, in much simpler and more basic forms."
Wysocki’s award-winning art is sought-after internationally and has been
published in two books, American Celebration and Heartland.
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