Marston Clough — Artist’s Statement

Studio: Vineyard Haven, MA
Born: MA | USA

I am an Islander by birth, and now by choice.  My first art classes were at the Tisbury School in the early 1950’s and more than thirty years later I took a drawing course at the Massachusetts College of Art and loved it.  I continued to draw something every day, for a year.  Drawing still comes first for me and I generally have a sketchbook handy, making small sketches while riding the ferry, or around the docks in Vineyard Haven, where I grew up.

I was a science kid, majored in Microbiology and worked as a bacteriology technician at BU Medical Center before switching to teaching high school for 34 years. While teaching science in Hudson MA,  I began taking a variety of courses at the Worcester Art Museum, experimenting with various media and techniques. Printmaking was my primary medium for years.

After retiring in 2003 I became a member of the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association, served on the Board of the MVAA and also the board of Featherstone Center for the Arts, and continued the never-ending journey of trying to make art. Currently I am back on the Board on the MVAA and teach an occasional class at Featherstone.

Now I work in oils, primarily studio painting but plein air with my friends in the summer. I am generally trying to capture a mood or feeling rather than a specific place.  I am inspired all year round by the beauty found on this Island and stimulated by my artistic friendships.

I show at the Old Sculpin Gallery, at KINMV, and at Featherstone all on the Vineyard, and at Gallery Sitka in Newport and Lazy Fish on Block Island.

View Marston’s Website