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Beloved local artist, Ernest “Brud” Jones Clayter Jr., was born in Vinalhaven April 10, 1924 to Ernest and Augusta Clayter. He was educated in the Vinalhaven schools, but a diagnosis of tuberculosis at age 17 required a several months stay in a Boston sanatorium. Sadly, his life’s dream of becoming a professional baseball pitcher was shattered.
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One could say Brud was a multi-talented individual: not only did he excel in art and sports, he was an accomplished musician as well. During high school he played guitar in the Vinalhaven High School orchestra, and throughout his adult life continued to be part of many local groups, often playing at the Memorial Hall for the much loved and well-attended dances. At the time of his death at age 43, Brud was even jamming with a local kids group, which included Lawrence “Boongie” Oakes and Dale Conway.
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All through his life Clayter drew and painted landscapes, seascapes, portraits and more, preferring watercolors to other mediums. Though never formally trained, Brud had a natural talent and worked tirelessly perfecting his art. When asked where her father’s art studio was located, daughter Ruth replied, “The kitchen table.” Each evening after supper, Brud got out his watercolors and sat at the kitchen table doing what he loved best. While watercolors were his favorite, he did try working with oils. An oil painting of his father was one of his favorite works, but an attempt to paint a portrait of his mother in oils was unsuccessful. He could not capture her likeness to his satisfaction.
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Much of Brud’s work was given to friends and family, many pieces were bought locally, and some were taken by summer friends to Massachusetts to sell in their restaurant. The sale of one of his paintings always gave cause for the family to celebrate. Brud would pack up the family and drive them to the local restaurant, the Sea Breeze, for crab or lobster rolls, a big treat in those days. This year’s summer exhibit pays tribute to Brud’s life and work.
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