A Little
About The Artist...
Adam Koltz is a marine artist whose work
began as a hobby, focusing on ships and the sea. His earliest memories
include drawing boats and birds. Adam knew then that he was blessed with
a unique artistic ability: "I remember receiving a lot of attention
in third grade when I won 1st place in all categories at a school art
contest." In his early teens he had his first encounter with boats
on a 40-foot sloop on Lake Michigan. Later, during a 20-year Navy
career, Adam spent about half of his time on sea duty aboard several
classes of ships, including merchant vessels.
Adam is an avid sailor and marine
historian. His attention to detail stems from his intimate knowledge of
ships, including the purpose of every line, sail and spar in his
pictures. His understanding of the interaction of ships with the natural
forces of wind and water gives his pictures life and vitality.
Origins...
Adam began his ship portraits on nautical
charts in 1971 while aboard the USS Kirk. The ship's navigator asked him
to draw the USS Constitution. In the absence of drawing paper, the
navigator offered the reverse side of an obsolete nautical chart. Adam
used the front side of the chart instead, and an idea was born.
Adam is well known in Navy circles on both coasts for his depictions of
naval vessels. These portraits highlight many a commanding officer's or
crew member's collection of mementos.
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His Approach...
Adam's refreshing and unique approach to
marine art often integrates nautical charts with his ship portraits.
After researching a vessel's history, Adam chooses a significant chart,
such as a port of call or deep-water trade route, to accurately portray
the historical relationship between the ship and the chart upon which it
is drawn. Adam primarily works with pen and ink, but also uses
watercolor washes to add life, richness and movement to his drawings.
His Art Philosophy...
Every ship has her own personality, her
own soul. Adam's artwork captures these qualities, but also highlights
the ship's history by the integration of nautical charts into his work.
A chart is the seaman's "road map" of the sea and is a product
of the cartographer's art and technological mapping skills. This
enhances the visual presentation of martime history, and is a key
element in his work.
"I present more than a portrait of a ship. I bring the viewer a
vibrant historical presentation. For those with a personal connection to
a vessel, I bring forth memories of special moments at sea."
Adam has displayed his work at numerous shows and galleries in Southern
California, as well as in Carmel CA, Seattle WA, Coos Bay OR, Mystic CT,
and Annapolis MD. He has displayed works at the San Diego Maritime
Museum's Star of India. He is a member of the latter, as well as the
National Maritime Historical Society.
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