By Barbara A. Preston | Posted October 2, 2024
Recent watercolors by Rocky Hill resident Henry “Hank” Bristol will be on display at The Nassau Club in Princeton from October 6 through February 1. The opening reception is Sunday, October 6.
"Diverging Waters," watercolor by Hank Bristol.
"Beaton’s Boatyard," watercolor by Hank Bristol.
Bristol is a long-time resident of Rocky Hill, moving to the small borough after college in 1992. Growing up, he spent summers at the Jersey Shore – influenced by family elders who were proficient in wooden boats, sailing and seamanship. His later schooling continued in Newport, Rhode Island, where the geology became more pronounced and both sea and sailing more dramatic than the flat sands of the New Jersey barrier islands.
For college, he went north to the Maine coast. At Bowdoin he majored in both Studio Art and Economics. The art was primarily photography at that time, with the composition and rich values of black-and-white photography.
Artist Hank Bristol of Rocky Hill painting a scene at Monhegan Island, Maine.
The Bowdoin Museum of Art enhanced his education with its emerging photography collection.
Surrounded by the rocky coastline and the allure of boat yards, he incorporated these subjects into his memory and visual library.
Watercolor, Hank’s primary medium, emerged later, but has become a lifelong companion. His attention to draftsmanship and drawing excellence were refined in graduate architectural studies at the University of Virginia and the Veneto of Italy.
His expressive design builds from a base of clear drawing from which emerges his passion to express strong values, often through multiples glazes.
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Past shows include Phillip’s Mill in Stockton, the Garden State Watercolor Society in Trenton, the Princeton Present Day Club, the Pennington School, and at Bowdoin College, ME.
The Nassau Club show will display his recent art work.
Visit him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/hankbristol.art/ ■
Hank!! I heard you had a show opening. Oh my goodness, your paintings are stunning!! I am a huge watercolor fan, and am taking my first class. Thank you for all this beauty, I must get to your show!