It is not uncommon for an artist's work to be lost for many years after being sold, as is the case with many works by Frank Vining Smith (1879-1967). Smith was best known for his classic clipper ship paintings, but starting in the 1940's he took encouragement from his mentor Frank Benson and started painting some wonderful sporting paintings. One such painting is featured in an exhibition and sale ongoing at Marine Arts Gallery.

"Hello Baby" was painted in the 1940's and used as an illustration for a fishing calendar. The original oil disappeared into a private collection and was only known by print reproductions. This magnificent oil painting depicts a handsome fisherman, his fishing rod at his side enjoying a lunch break with two visitors observing him from the riverbank, mother and baby fawn.

Also, newly discovered are four jewel-like watercolors depicting Smith's personal yachts. The paintings were found hanging in his studio after his passing in 1967.

Also featured in this exhibition sale are three large oil paintings, depicting various clipper ships.

Please visit the gallery in Salem at 135 Essex Street,  next door to the Peabody-Essex Museum.

On the web at www.marineartsgallery.com or phone us at 978-745-5000.