J Franklin Wright is generally regarded as Canada’s foremost marine artist, specialising in ship portraits. He is influential for his explorations into the sparsely documented history of Canada’s shipbuilding industry. More recently he has broadened his scope to include famous vessels from other parts of the world. His editions have received medals of distinction and his paintings are in many important private and corporate collections throughout the world.
He has been strongly influenced by the great Dutch and British marine painters to whom he is so often compared. His paintings reflect both strong pictorial organisation and attention to detail. His style is based on clear precise drawing, luminous lighting effects and fluidity of water. He has been called a ‘master of sea and sky’
J Franklin Wright has exhibited with the Royal Society of Marine Artists in London, The Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the American Society of Marine Painters and is a member of the International Society of Marine Painters in Florida. He is the only Canadian included in the influential marine volume , 20th Century British Marine Paintings, by Denys Brook-Hart.
