2010 sadly saw the passing of Anthony Amos. In his early years, Amos worked with horses as a nurseryman. This was followed by a career at sea, working on trawlers, tugs and deep sea cargo ships. He only took up painting later in life; his marine works are therefore based on a long acquaintance and familiarity. These, along with his figurative subjects, show a tremendous verve and vitality, all executed with flair and skill.
His preferred material was based on the sea – the working shipyards, scrapyard ships and fishing boats that had seen a lot of life on the sea, but his work also includes architectural, horse and lifeboat subjects. He was inspired by all things to do with the weather and colours of the atmosphere. His love of outdoor life gave him a unique feel for interpreting the many moods of his environment by the sea.
His studio did not contain a single paintbrush – influenced by Turner, he worked with rags and fingers, experimenting with scraps of material and card, all of which brought different textures and intrigue to his work, along with a great immediacy to his paintings.
Amos both lived and worked in Devon and was a prize-winning member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists. His passing in 2010 caused sadness among his many friends and collectors, but his work is creating great excitement among art lovers who are just discovering his talents for the first time.
