A SPECIAL exhibit of the works of some of the world's most outstanding marine artists will be held at the Windjammer Gallery next week.

Marine Paintings, featuring the works of local and international artisans, is a follow-up to a successful exhibit the Windjammer held which co-incided with Tall Ships 2000.

"We had a very successful marine show two years ago that co-incided with the arrival of Tall Ships 2000," explained gallery manager, Devon Moss. "Bermuda, being an island, has such strong nautical connections. We're often on the water, the island attracts many yachtsmen, and there are quite a few races held here, so there has always been that interest.

"And because the marine show we held was so successful two years ago, we wanted to do it again. We're very excited to be able to include some new artists - Don Stoltenberg and Jim Karvellas - and we hope Marine Paintings will be as well received and successful as the last show."

On exhibit as of next Friday will be artwork by Mark Boden, Stephen Card, J. Steven Dews, John Finch, Jim Karvellas, Don Stoltenberg and Tim Thompson. Renowned artist, William G. Muller, was forced to pull out of the exhibit due to illness.

"We should have about 35 pieces, mainly oils. All are of a nautical theme and feature everything from ocean liners to yachts," said Mrs. Moss. "We're lucky to include a piece by J. Steven Dews, whose work was once featured on the front cover of Sotheby's catalogue, which is a rare honour for a living artist."

Generally considered by many to be pre-eminent in the field of marine art, Mr. Dews' original pieces and limited, signed editions are collected around the globe. Auctioneers at Sotheby's have described him as "the best", saying, "there's no one else to touch him." Equally impressive, and rare for a living artist, is the fact that one piece of his art sold by the auction house went for close to $90,000.

One of the leading marine artists of his generation, Tim Thompson has a distinctive style. A "dramatic use of light" and "meticulous attention to detail" are two techniques he relies on.

Stephen Card and Mark Boden are the only Bermudians to have their works showcased. In addition to being well-respected maritime painters, both are qualified captains. "Stephen is a captain and was Bermuda's harbourmaster for two years before becoming a full-time artist," Mrs. Moss said. "His work is represented in permanent collections of the American Merchant Marine Museum and such major shipping lines as Cunard, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Norway Caribbean."

Mr. Card said: "There are many marine artists in the world, but very few paint oceanliners and steamships Sure, there are lots of artists who paint great tall ships with billowing canvas or the magnificent yachts of the past and present, but most of them couldn't paint a funnel with a roller and a 20-foot extension. For the painter of ocean liners, it is not enough to put a pleasing image down on canvas. We must know every detail inside and out, above and below the waterline."

Mr. Boden's artwork can be found in collections around the world. A specialist in "realistic" marine paintings, he spends much of his time observing the ocean from the 42-foot gaff ketch he and his family have called home for the past 18 years.

The Windjammer Gallery is located at the corner of Reid and King Street. Marine Paintings runs from Friday, May 17 through the end of the month. For more information, please phone 292-7861.