Coastal Beach – Robert Manton Chase

Coastal Beach – Robert Manton Chase (1920-2006) 
Watercolour on paper. Signed on the lower left: Robert Chase

35x50cm – 13,75×19,75″

Bob was born March 26, 1920, in Providence, R.I. He attended Tilton Academy, Moses Brown, Rhode Island School of Design and the Yale Graduate School of Fine Arts. Upon graduating, he spent summers designing sets for area productions as well as Summer Stock and winters working in area ski resorts. Bob served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945, during which time he captained a wooden sub hunter off the East Coast. Bob was also employed as manager of several resorts, including Snow Lake Lodge in Brattleboro Vt.; The Ilseboro Inn in Dark Harbor, Maine; and Young Island Resort in St. Vincent, West Indies. His love and knowledge of the ocean were evident throughout his life. He loved to sail and crewed aboard many yachts, including racing yachts involved in the Halifax to Bermuda race, among many others. Bob’s career as a marine water color artist spanned more than 50 years. He served as resident artist at the Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth and Caneel Bay in St. John. His great mastery of light on water inspired many of his beautiful paintings, giving them an “inner light.”Bob was involved in many sports including football, tennis, skiing and especially sailing. His father Amasa was an avid sailor. Bob continued to be on or around sailboats throughout his life. During his service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Bob patrolled waters from Long Island to Cuba. His knowledge of the ocean and sailing were an attribute to any crew. Whether cruising Downeast or in the Caribbean, he was happiest when at sea. Bob was granted a lifetime membership at the Kittery Point Yacht Club in New Castle. After graduate school, Bob was active throughout New England, designing sets for area productions. He loved working in theaters during the summers and spending winters working the ski resorts. He enjoyed hiking and skiing down Tuckerman Ravine, on Mt. Washington and the Taft race course at Cannon Mountain. Bob was also a member of the Rhode Island Steam Rollers, one of the first professional football teams. Bob was a big football fan, and enjoyed tailgating at the UNH games with close friends. His candelabra and pate never failed to delight. Wherever he went, he was well-loved and considered a part of the experience. Bob truly loved people and made many true friends throughout his life.