Custom Scrimshaw and Pyrography Designs by Anthony Perry

Scrimshaw art being produced at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery by Anthony Perry

Scrimshander and Pyography artist Anthony (Tony) Perry is a self-taught artist with a deep appreciation for maritime history and it’s time honored traditions. A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, his family history includes fishermen who also served as members of the United States Life Saving Service protecting our coastal Virginia and North Carolina waters for over 200 years.

Pen and ink bone box with scrimshaw artwork of  'CSS VIRGINIA' by Anthony Perry

Tony’s artistry ranges from a variety of media including pen and ink, charcoal, pyrography and scrimshaw. His extremely versatile skills whose love of nature and history are beautifully expressed on natural materials including (legal) elephant ivory and antique whales teeth, bone, mother of pearl and abalone shell. Tony’s attention to detail is evident in his present work and continues to improve as he refines and hone his techniques with every new piece.

 Tony also produces custom works on bone, shell, ivory and wood for customers seeking a more personalized item. From pets to private yachts, Tony can create a unique artists piece for you. To see a collection of Anthonys scrimshaw and pyrography now available for purchase, visit Skipjack's Marine Art Gallery at Tony Perry at Skipjack nautical Wares & Marine Gallery.

Custom pyrography artwork on wood of the Sport fisherman "CITATION"

Scrimshaw of bull elephant on ivory fragment.

Scrimshaw bone knife with port view of 'CSS VIRGINIA' by Tony Perry

Scrimshaw  shell pendant of customers pet by Tony Perry.

"From Rockland to Hampton Roads" A New Collection of Nautical/Coastal Themed Watercolor Paintings by Virginia Artist Shirley Cook

"Boats Docked in Maine" watercolor on paper by Shirley Cook.

"I realize now that I am painting again that, although when I was not actively painting, my eyes were open and I was absorbing layer upon layer of images. I savored the beauty of God’s universe, stared at it, meditated on it, drank it in, stored it in my memory, unaware that I would  one day be painting it". These are words expressed by Virginia artist Shirley Cook about her recent collection titled "From Rockland to Hampton Roads" of over 20 new watercolor paintings now on exhibit in the foyer gallery at Skipjack nautical Wares. The collection is comprised largely of plein air paintings created during her last visit to Maine combined with regional views of Virginia's Chesapeake Bay coastline and the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

"Lobster Traps". Watercolor on paper by Shirley Cook.

Shirley earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Indiana University in 1971, and then she went off with my husband to minister the gospel to college students. She carried her sketchbook all the time until starting a family, at which time there was no longer room or time to pursue her artwork. So she took a 35 year sabbatical to be a wife, mother and missionary. I guess I “forgot I was an artist."

"Three boats, Rockland, Maine". Watercolor on paper by Shirley Cook.

"I am learning to paint from life or photographs and choose shapes and colors to make an intriguing composition. I like recognizable subject matter, but I don’t fuss. Ultimately I realize God has given me this ability and I hope to honor Him with all of it. My joy is in watching the painting develop to a stage at which I can say: I like looking at this."

"Owl's Head Light". Original plein air watercolor by Shirley Cook

Stop by and peruse through Shirley Cook's new collection of nautical/coastal themed watercolor paintings this month at Skipjack nautical Wares & Marine Gallery. You can also see a portion of the collection on-line on our web gallery. Please click here to visit her page.