Artist Willard Bond
Willard Bond: Master of Sailing Action
1926-2012
Willard Bond, a name synonymous with the thrill of sailing, stands unrivaled as the foremost painter of modern sailing action worldwide. Through his posters, limited edition prints, and original works in oil and watercolor, he garnered an enormous following among sailing and art enthusiasts, and all those captivated by the exhilaration of the sea. Born in the picturesque Pacific Northwest, Willard's childhood was shaped on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene in Northern Idaho. His life took a dramatic turn during World War II, when he served aboard battleships, cruisers, and destroyer escorts in the Pacific theater, and was among the first military personnel to enter Hiroshima in occupied Japan.
Willard's artistic journey began with formal training at the esteemed Art Institute of Chicago, followed by studying at the Art Students League of New York and graduating from the prestigious Pratt Institute Art School. For 15 years, he immersed himself in the vibrant artistic scene of SoHo in lower Manhattan, where he honed his skills as a ceramic muralist and abstract painter and fostered his unique artistic voice. Inspired by Buckminster Fuller's geodesic domes, Willard ventured to the island of Jamaica, where he devoted five years to experimenting with geodesic dome construction. Returning to New York in 1976, he divided his time between his home in Brooklyn Heights and his large painting studio in the captivating Catskill Mountains, while frequently visiting Newport and Annapolis to immerse himself in the sailing community.
During the 1984 America's Cup races, Willard Bond sailed on Freedom, engaging in a warm-up tacking duel with Liberty before the final Liberty-Courageous race. Willard's dynamic artistic interpretation perfectly complemented the sleek, powerful designs of modern racing boats, resulting in breathtaking works that encapsulated the essence of sailing. Although his paintings were expressionistic and action-packed, each boat within them was authentic, with its proper rigging, insignia and crews. He had found the balance point between abstraction and representation.
Russell Jinishian, a notable authority on marine art, aptly describes Bond's artistic prowess: "Bond created paintings not around what the boats look like, but what it feels like to be aboard or nearby, watching them move fast. If you want to know what it is like to be in the heat of a yacht race, just take a look at a painting by Willard Bond." His vivid depictions of sailing action have inspired generations of sailors, evoking the exhilaration and intensity of the sport.
Willard Bond's artistic legacy extends far beyond the canvas. His work as a master watercolorist and oil painter immortalizes the spirit of sailing, inviting viewers to experience the thrill of the race and the beauty of the sea. With each brushstroke, he communicated the essence of being aboard a sailing vessel, transporting onlookers to the heart of the action. His colorful compositions and evocative scenes have left an indelible mark on the world of marine art.
Though Willard Bond has set sail on his final voyage, his legacy lives on, his work continuing to inspire and ignite a passion for sailing, and for art, in the hearts of all who encounter it. His unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of sailing action has solidified his place as a true master of his craft, forever celebrated as the preeminent painter of modern sailing action in the world.