The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

With More than forty years of gifted experience in art, Bahamian artist Anthony “Big Mo” Morley still takes pleasure in painting the beauty of the Bahamas. He unveiled his newest work “Bahamas on Canvas” last Saturday at the Gallery at Old Fort Bay.

“This exhibit is highlighting the islands of the Bahamas: the beaches, the people, the landscape and everything Bahamas. The pieces are oil on canvas and the largest piece will be about 40 by 70. Those are paintings of flamingos, and there are the small ones which are 8 by 10. There is something for everyone to see,” said Mr Morley. 
The “Bahamas On Canvas” exhibit is Mr Morley’s first solo show in two years. It will be on display for the rest of the week. Earlier this year he participated in an exhibit in Hope Town, Abaco. Last Summer he displayed work with the National Trust, in Abaco as well.

As the owner of The Gallery at Old Fort Bay, Mr Morley said it was an investment he decided to make. “I took that leap of going into my savings and investing in a gallery like this. I want to encourage my fellow artists to continue working and if they want a place to show their work, these walls will be made available to them. This is a good way to get their work to the buyers who appreciate art.”
Explaining one of his pieces on display, Mr Morley said: “You will see the tranquillity of the northern shore in the piece. Often times I go to that spot to relax and unwind. After going there several times, I said it would make a nice painting. So I captured it on a canvas, hoping to keep it for my new home but I decided to put it on display.”

“I do a simple drawing with a brush, so there is no pencil line. It is a matter of applying your undercoats and then your dark hues. And later on you put on your meat, so to speak. Your details and highlights,” said Mr Morley.

A number of the pieces have already been sold, and Mr Morley said he received new commissions.

“I have a lot of new customers coming in, who are facing their eyes on the work. The pieces are very bright and colourful, showing the true essence of the Bahamas. For the remainder of the night, I am hoping to sell a few more pieces and meet some new supporters,” said Mr Morley.
He encouraged all young artists to not listen to the noise in the market. Simply work and keep painting and applying yourself, he said.

“As you are inspired, write it down until you get around to painting, but go ahead and get the job done, just keep working. I’ve been painting, involved and influenced by art, including Junkanoo and photography for more than forty years. I have decided to return to the canvas full time because I love it and this is where I want to make my career for the rest of my life,” said Mr Morley.
For the remainder of the year, Mr Morley said he would like to do something unique to feature the people of the Bahamas: where they live, who they are and how they play.

“I am pretty much known for painting real life depictions of coconuts. In this area, Old Fort Bay, my clients have asked me to paint more beach scenes. They love the crystal clear waters, the deep blues and the white sandy beaches. I am doing a lot of that for them but I am inspired simply by the beauty of the Bahamas. I will continue to paint it for as long as I can,” said Mr Morley.