Great Pond Gallery at the Wellfleet Adult Community Center

Steve Bliss

Part of a monthly changing exhibit showcasing local artists.

Great Pond Gallery at the Wellfleet Adult Community Center, 715 Old Kings Highway

Month of July, M-F: 8 am - 4 pm

Reception for the artist: July 7th, 3:00-5:00 pm

Robert Rindler: Curator, James Connors: Co-Curator & Installation 

ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

I never tire of my favorite walks in Wellfleet.  Anywhere you look, the shorelines, dunes, marshes, woods, water, and sky are filled with endless inspiration. The 10-foot tides sculpt the coastline four times a day. Add Cape light, and the views are always captivating. Most of Wellfleet remains open land that retains a wild spirit.

I’ve photographed these scenes for years, but was rarely happy with the results. With the expressive power of paint, I hoped to capture some of the magic of the Wellfleet landscape and the exhilaration that I feel on every walk. I feel that the transparency and flow of watercolor make it an ideal medium for reflecting the spirit of this special place.   

I hope you recognize in my paintings some of the joy I experience every day that I’m immersed in the Wellfleet landscape.

STEVEN BLISS: BIO

I grew up beachcombing in Rhode Island, so falling in love with Wellfleet was easy. The village was charming, the people unpretentious, the nature wild. We started coming here in the mid-1980s and now spilt our time between Burlington, VT and Wellfleet.

I took thousands of landscape photos here, but did not try painting until my mid-60s when I retired from full-time work. 

I started with watercolors and the medium resonated with me. I liked the transparency of the glazes, the ease of blending colors, and the quick results. From the masters like Sargent and Homer, I saw the possibilities.

I have been fortunate to train with a number of inspiring teachers both on and off Cape, and during Covid completed  a year-long mentorship with a leading painter of impressionist watercolors. 

Over time I’ve discovered that learning to paint is a long journey with no final destination. I’m still enjoying the ride and  happily remain a work in progress.