Found at an estate sale, this colorful 15.75" x 22" original watercolor and pastel painting by acclaimed San Diego artist David Linton shows the historic Watch Hill Light lighthouse in Westerly, Rhode Island. Although no title is shown on either the picture or the frame, for this picture it's usually given as "Offshore Thunderhead" or "Offshore Thunderheads". This painting is signed by the artist in the lower left corner with a date of 2012. It's been framed with glass and is in very good condition, as is the 26" x 32" x 1" wood frame. This framed painting weighs 8 lb. 10 oz. (Note: a much smaller study for this picture was recently listed on eBay by another seller. It's likewise described as an original watercolor.)

The Watch Hill Light lighthouse, built in 1745, has been a vital beacon for mariners in Block Island Sound since the Rhode Island colonial government erected a watchtower and beacon in 1745 during the French and Indian War. That original structure was destroyed by a storm in 1791 and replaced with a lighthouse on the edge of the bluff in 1807. Erosion of the bluff necessitated the construction of the present granite and brick lighthouse built in 1856, which suffered considerable damage during the Hurricane of 1938. In the summer of 1872 the Rhode Island steamer "Metis" sank quickly after a collision with a schooner five miles offshore with the loss of over 100 passengers and crew. In 1907 another major marine disaster took place three miles offshore when a coal schooner collided with the side wheel steamer "SS Larchmont", inbound from Providence to New York, during a severe winter storm, resulting in even greater loss of life. The current tower is 61 feet high and houses a 4th order VRB-25 Fresnel lens visible for 14 nautical miles. Its signal is alternating red and white at 5 second intervals and its foghorn sounds once every 30 seconds when activated. It was automated in 1986.

David Linton is an award-winning San Diego artist known for his paintings combining watercolors and pastels. He often paints marine subjects. He's known for his use of color and has developed some special techniques that result in surrealistic reflections of light. His style is sometimes described as realism but I would consider the style he's employed in this painting as being closer to impressionism.

If you're dissatisfied with this item in any way, you can return it in the same condition in which you received it within 14 days for a full refund.  Shipping will be by UPS Ground with no additional handling charge.  Washington state residents pay 9.5% state and local sales tax.  Possibility of free pickup or delivery in the Seattle area.