Name/Title
"Rough Morning" by Forrest OrrEntry/Object ID
1990.116.5Description
A framed and matted watercolor painting by Forrest Orr titled "Rough Morning." The painting shows two lobstermen in a boat facing rough weather and strong tides. The man on the stern is checking a trap, while the other man is at the wheel.
"N. DORIAN" is printed in green marker on the top of the frame on the back after the donor, Nancy Dorian, an acquaintance of Orr in Harpswell, ME. It is housed in a plain, light colored wood frame.
Undated.Collection
PHC Art CollectionLexicon
Search Terms
Lobstermen, Lobster fishing, Lobster boatExhibitions
Exhibition
Labor of Love: Creating Art and CommunityNotes
"Rough Morning" was a study for a larger painting focusing on the backbone of Maine coastal life and economy - the lobstering industry. Orr always favored the marine scapes of his coastal hometown when painting watercolors. The scene pictured in this painting is one he had nearly perfected by the end of his career. Depicted are two men lobstering in a small boat while facing rough weather and strong tides, a common sight off the coast. Although Forrest Orr did not stay in Maine his whole life, his connection with the state never faltered.
Orr continued to summer in Harpswell, where his family had lived since 1742, while living in Massachusetts's. Although he was not a year-rounder he was still a pillar of the community. The donor of this piece purchased the painting directly from Orr at his studio for $25 when she was 12 years old. He let her buy it on a payment plan of $5 a week.