In Memoriam: John Stobart Painted Maritime Days Gone By

John Stobart, one of the world’s most renowned maritime artists, died March 2, 2023, at age 93. Even if the name is not familiar, chances are you’ve seen his work. His compositions often feature views of iconic locations such as Boston, New York, San Francisco, London, Cape Town, and many others. To maritime historians, his paintings are not just works of art, but also historical records of a bygone era. Original works, such as “Busy Day in the East River,” list for $150,000.

Born in Leicester, in central England, John was surrounded by the beautiful countryside and developed an early appreciation for the landscape. But at 8 years old, a visit to his grandmother’s home in the port of Liverpool – at the time, the busiest port in England – sparked his lifelong desire to capture the excitement of world trade that comes to life in a port. Stobart would go on to study at the Derby College of Art and the Royal Academy in London, where he developed his skills in composition and perspective.

By the early 1960s, shipping companies weren’t just buying his paintings, they were commissioning his work and sponsoring his travel overseas. Stobart considered his life, “a series of miracles,” according to his obituary.

In 1970, the Stobart family emigrated to the United States and settled in the coastal town of Darien, Connecticut. Later, while the family was living in the Washington, D.C., area, he established the Atlantic Gallery near his Georgetown studio. He continued to produce stunning works that captured the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Over the course of his career, Stobart received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the art world; among them was his election to the prestigious National Academy of Design in New York and the Royal Society of Marine Artists in 1979, and the American Society of Marine Artists presented him with the Award of Excellence, the society’s highest honor. You can find a YouTube channel featuring episodes from a television series he did on the art of painting. You can also find coffee table books of his paintings, posters, and books on the painting life written by Stobart on Amazon. A comprehensive profile of Stobart was published in Forbes magazine in 2021.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Stobart was a generous philanthropist. He established the Stobart Foundation to support recently graduated artists in their transition to becoming professionals. Stobart recognized, from personal experience, that this time is crucial in an artist’s development. His goal was to offer an environment of support and provide financial assistance at a time when the artists’ energies and resources are at their lowest point. Despite his overwhelming success, John remained humble and approachable, and was widely admired for his generosity.

John Stobart’s legacy will live on through his paintings, which will continue to inspire artists and captivate audiences for generations to come, as well as through the works of the Stobart Foundation recipients.