Painted at the peak of Gray’s career, After the Gale reveals the artist’s strength for rendering the power of nature, particularly the impact of the restless wind and pounding surf on a rocky shoreline. While much of his work focused on ships and sailors dealing with the elements on the open sea, After the Gale allows the viewer to become a firsthand witness to the ever-shifting ocean current, as the title storm begins to dissipate yet continues to lash the coast with an ebbing fury. Gray’s gift for translating atmosphere is unmistakable; one can almost feel the spray on their skin and hear the echoing call of the waves tossed to and fro by an Atlantic breeze. He also offers us a taste of the calm to come by incorporating a sparkling ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds, radiating warmth down upon the scene.

More information about this painting...

Provenance:

The artist

To private collection, Bangor, Maine, early 1960s

To sister of the above, by gift or purchase, private collection, Bangor, Maine, 1960s to present

Inscription:

1. (verso, on canvas wrapped around stretchers) (AFTER THE GALE)
2. (top stretcher) JACK L. GRAY MAR. 1961 [STA. CONN. ETH.]