William E. Cummings
boats docked at Knapp’s Narrows on an overcast day. William E. Cummings has painted more than just pretty pictures. He has painted the heart and soul of Tilghman’s Island and the Chesapeake region. There is integrity in his work, just like the man ~ steadfast, proud, and principled. Simply stated, “My paintings are my history, and this is how I hope to preserve it.” William E. Cummings passed away in September of 2014. His paintings are owned and cherished by many fellow watermen as well as private collectors. An active supporter of the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum, Cummings contributed the rights to produce and distribute prints of his works to the organization. There are currently more than 20 prints available on a limited edition basis, and a short film about his life is soon to be released. Tilghman Watermen’s Museum celebrates the culture and heritage of the Island’s watermen and their families. You can see more of his work at www.tilghmanmuseum.org.
The Partners the brush strokes I put down,” Bill explains. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is found in the work entitled Out of Nowhere. The paint is boldly applied in different directions throughout the piece ~ even exaggerated ~ using short and long strokes of color that envelop the troubled skipjack as it weathers a sudden turbulent storm. Common themes can be seen throughout Cummings’ work, as depicted in pieces such as The Oyster Harvesters, The Seine Haulers I, II and III, and The Pound Netters, where figures have been drawn with conviction and placed thoughtfully throughout each painting. At the same time, this artist has the ability to reflect the serenity and calm that life on Tilghman offers in his loosely painted watercolors that highlight a small flock of geese landing near the shore, or work-
Kathi Ferguson is a freelance writer with a diverse and creative professional background. Some of her favorite subjects are the people of the Eastern Shore. To reach Kathi, e-mail kathi@inotherwords.info. 54