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Honoring the Artist: Paul Rafferty
By Marion Wolberg Weiss
Fresh off the plane from his home in Moughins, France, British artist Paul Rafferty doesn't seem the worse for wear as he talks enthusiastically about being in Sag Harbor once again at his Memorial Day weekend opening at the Grenning Gallery. His energy spreads, like a strong wind to whomever he comes in contact, including yours truly. It's the same energy that his paintings evoke.
Q: For Americans, you're living in a villa in a famous medieval French village, Moughins, is a dream come true. Was it for you?
A: I love it, but it seems more romantic than it is. You know Picasso lived and died there; Winston Churchhill painted there. It certainly has its place in history. But it has disadvantages, like the humidity. It's like a little fortress.
Q: What's the most prevailing aspect of the place?
A: I have to take care of the walls as much as my art.
Q: It's apparent you like Sag Harbor a lot. I'm curious, how can it compare to your village?
A: I run around a lot, travel a lot. Coming and going makes me appreciate my home. But I love to come back to a place like Sag Harbor, to see things with a fresh eye even if I haven't been here for several years.
Q: Give us an example of that "fresh eye."
A: When I go back to a place, it's different. I see it in a different light, like Sag Main Beach., even if it's the same view. But I never get tired of painting the same scene. I never have the same feeling, no matter how many times I may paint something.
Q: How do you see Sag Harbor now that you're back. What is it that you appreciate?
A: My main motivation is the light, which this week's cover, "Sunlight on Main Street," captures. I also like to put figures in my paintings, whether I'm doing landscapes or children or whatever.
Q: There's a lot of life in the work, literally.
A: Yes, I paint a lot from life; the atmosphere is important, something you can't get from a photograph. Someone also said they feel movement in my art. In my umbrellas and clouds, for example.
Q: The movement may account for the energy in your paintings. That's a different kind of "life." Despite these special aspects of your work, what do you find challenging?
A: When you're painting outdoors as I do, you can't fiddle around.
You have to make up your mind. When you're done, it's like walking a tightrope. It's a great achievement to get to the other side, finish the work.
Q: What a great metaphor. Any other ways to describe your process?
A: Painting for me is like playing golf. You're always playing with yourself. You can never win.
Q: But there are advantages to being a painter as well, besides the obvious.
A: You don't ever have to retire. You can go on to play in golf's senior tour.
Mr. Rafferty's exhibit will be on view at Sag Harbor's Grenning Gallery until June 22.
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