By Anthea McGibbon, Gleaner Writer

Completed this year, Sunset at the Beach number 1, done in oil on canvas, is one of the pieces being exhibited in Barrington Watson's 'Return to Richmond Hill Inn after 20 years', at Richmond Hill Inn, opened on November 24. - Photos by Mark Titus

"It is good to be back," - Watson

AFTER 20 years, Jamaica's master painter Barrington Watson found his way back to one of his ole-time nooks in western Jamaica. Under the theme, 'Barrington Returns to Richmond Inn ... after 20 years', the artist opened reception at a location neighbouring his birthplace in Lucea. The location, the original Richmond Hill Inn, Montego Bay, almost mirrors the beauty of his picturesque Orange Bay home, but with added scenic variety.

Sticking to the rules of the marriage so often played out at the hilltop great house designed for newly-weds, Barrington had something old, something borrowed, and, well something new. Just under 40 pieces were added pearls in the dining room and the adjoining hallway where 'The Catch' has been erected for 27 years. Recounting history such as the visit by Queen Elizabeth, 'The Catch', owned by the Inn and covering an entire wall, is of fishermen pulling in their big catch. 'The Catch' was enough inspiration to the numbered invitees from Montego Bay and its immediate environs to welcome the Lucea-born "prodigal son". The patrons too had their own catch as in what almost became a silent auction, they constantly sought prices in an excited bid to secure what they could.

Braids oil on canvas

Of the collection, one or two works were borrowed from collectors, and in addition to older works from his studio, 76-year-old Barrington introduced newly-finished works confirming the words of Dr. Horace Chang who was present to describe him as "the Caribbean's most outstanding artist", and, "among the world's finest artists."

Although locally snobbed by some as primarily a graphic illustrator, the master painter still reverently captures the anatomy of his subjects with brilliance in his strokes. His skills have been honed through years of experience including training in painting and yes, a brush with graphic designing and printing, as guest speaker Walter Elmore reminded the listeners.

In his new oils and watercolours, Barrington, who mixes his colours and black, is even more vibrant and clean as he dispels more energy when replaying the movements of his subjects.

Easter Lily, oil on canvas

Flirting with his academic training, futuristic, abstract, impressionist and other styles the man who was among those responsible for the birth of Jamaica's noted second generation of artists still directed many palletes at the show. Added to his exceptional definition of the human anatomy, he continued to excel at bringing out the personalities and moods of his women with his individual style developed beyond his academic training.

'Hot Pants' and 'Sunset at the Beach' are two works completed this year, and in which Barrington without much fanfare dismisses the fears of many about whether or not he's still got the touch.

'Hot Pants' is of a typical voluptuous Jamaican gal donning her curves in a white light cotton summer blouse and tight blue denim shorts reflecting Barrington's continued appreciation for his blessed sisters.

'Sunset at the Beach 1' could easily be of of students from Immaculate Conception High, Mount Alvernia, Montego Bay or even Westwood High School for girls. The painting bears some reference to Barrington's mother who attended the Immaculate Conception High School in Kingston, but we are more hypnotised by the flow of action he has created. 'Sunset at the Beach 1' was a popular among viewers who immediately connected to the line of girls on the verge of getting a little sprayed by the early morning tide.

The pieces attracted persons for varied reasons all pieces were loved collectively, with some persons sighing about their inability to take them all home.

In 'Hibiscus' and 'Easter Lily', the combination of brightly done flowers and the painted women they wrapped placed these among works epitomising femininity ñ fit to arouse even a nail dead tired man. The treatment of the perked nipples in 'Two Generations' escaped none as it was an automatic first stop, even more as it had been strategically placed in the front room among strong giclee reproductions like students at 'Sunday School', and the conversationalist piece 'Village Square'.

The absence of new six footers by Barrington were an element secretly missed, as some looked to see how big he could still get. Temporary relief was however provided by the two six by eight feet executions namely 'The Catch' and 'Boat Cove'.

The works offered in oil, watercolour and gicle reproductions convinced of the reasons Barrington's approach has garnered for him numerous awards and fame internationally as one of Jamaica's master painter. Strokes and strokes of colours placed beside, and visibly on top of each other just enough for the viewer's mind to bring it together for an appointed time and place in recording Jamaica's women-their lifestyle, poise and character, scenes and activities. Pieces such as 'Lady in Black', 'Portrait of Fionna,' 'Orange Park Landscape' and 'After church at the bus stop,' will forever linger on mentally.

A former director of studies of the Edna Manley College of the Visual Arts (former Jamaica School of Art) Barrington's impressive resume tells of achievements including the Prime Minister Awards for excellence. Guest speaker Walter Elmore, CEO of Turnkey Productions was succinct in his outline of these achievements. He spoke of several of Barrington's famous portraits of leaders and Jamaica's prime ministers, as he boasted that the artist, who describes himself as a lady's man has also painted his mother and two sisters. These three paintings are hung along with other owned pieces on the greathouse property repeatedly creating nostalgic memories.

Woman with Basin, giclee print reproduction

Evidently, it was overdue time for Barrington, originally from the West to reconnect with his Western family . Attorney-At-law Gordon Brown said he is always intrigued by people who can overcome the difficult challenges of watercolours as an art form. Jim Snead, owner of Townhouse Restaurant in Montego Bay also admired Barrington as in his opinion "It is incredible that for many year's he is able to create spectacular partnerships through his art, capturing movement, animation, light and shadows."

For many it was a chance to full hearts, eyes and hands and home of Barrington passion. For the artist "It was good to be back" with his Western family. Whether the exhibition will return to being an annual event is anybody's guess.

n Anthea McGibbon, a graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, has over 10 years' experience in the fields of journalism and the arts. Contact her at islandartattack@yahoo.co.uk or anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com.