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Limited
Edition Prints of the Burton Island
For the past several years the Burton Island Association historian
has been looking for an artist to paint a high quality painting of the
Burton Island. It was hoped to commission a painting that was both realistic
for those who love icebreakers in general and the Burton Island in particular,
and also a painting that was a work of fine art that any collector would
appreciate.
Last year, the BI historian met Gene Gill
of Portland, Oregon, a nationally acclaimed artist who specializes in
realistic watercolors. A project of painting of the Burton Island was
discussed at length. Many pictures of the BI was shown as well as
stories of what life was like aboard an icebreaker and the beauty of the
ice. After looking at works, including ships, that was done by Mr. Gill,
it was felt that it would be of great importance to commission him to do
this painting. It was completed this past August and it is gorgeous!! It
has received rave reviews from the art community in the Northwest and
there have already been requests from several galleries for prints.
Several of Mr. Gill's paintings have been printed as signed
limited editions and are highly collectible. The Association has decided
to do the same with this picture of the Burton Island. The painting will
be reproduced in a limited printing of only 500 prints and each print
will be signed and numbered by the artist, Gene Gill. Mr. Gill will get
50 of the prints as artist's proofs, so actually only 450 will be
available for shipment by early December. A print will be donated to the
Coast Guard Museum and the Naval Institute.
The image is a full color view of the ship as the Coast Guard
Cutter (WAGB-283) in the fast ice. It was interpreted from a photo of
the ship taken on the 1970-71 Antarctica cruise. Includes an HH-52A on
the flight deck. However, the artists rendering works for either North
or South polar cruises.
You may see a copy by clicking on here.
Please note that the photo that was used cuts the mast off at the top.
Be assured the actual print does not cut off the mast and the Coast
Guard anchors are properly placed on the helo's racing stripe. This
photo was done before completion.
Print specifications are planed to be (but may vary):
Paper Size : 24" x 32"
Image Size : 20" x 28"
Paper : 80 Pound Vintage Velvet
Gene Gill's limited edition prints sell for over $100.00 per print.
However, current members of the Burton Island Association will be able
to purchase these signed and numbered prints at $65.00 per print (includes
shipping and handling from Portland). Ten percent (10%) of all sales
will go to the Burton Island Association. Buyers who are not current
members of the association will pay $100.00 per print. Print numbers
will be assigned on a first reserved basis until sold out. Any prints
not sold will be available for sale at the reunion in Las Vegas. Some
requests have been received from galleries but no commitment has been
given until all of our shipmates have had a chance to reserve some so
the earlier numbers can go to Burton Island Association members. To
reserve a print, email or snail mail the historian (Mr. Dan Block) at
the address on the left. Once the prints are ready to ship, you will
be notified and when the money has been received, the print will be
shipped in a special mailing tube and insured, if you wish.
Depending on the interest, the artist may
be commissioned for a Navy version of the Burton Island. Let the
historian know if you are interested in such a print.
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