Meet Edward Hastings—local artist, painter, carpenter, chef, and musician. A tall, soft-spoken man, he weaves together his love of nature and art into intricate watercolor landscape paintings. From woodland vignettes, to historic homes and the Maine coastline, his artwork reflects his keen eye and vision for the beauty that surrounds us.

Originally from Concord, Massachusetts, Edward and his wife, Theresa, moved to Wendell five years ago after a camping trip to Erving State Forest. He finds inspiration from the area’s magnificent scenery and especially enjoys the peacefulness of the region.

Art, in some shape or form, has always been part of the Hastings family. Although he worked in oils and pastels in earlier years, it wasn’t until 2000 that Edward tried his hand with watercolors at the encouragement from his younger sister.

“I always liked how watercolors looked but I didn’t think I would have the patience needed for this medium. My sister, who creates pen and ink drawings, told me I just have to take my time,” says the artist. “I listened to her advice and little by little my watercolors would take shape. I now find it very therapeutic. It’s like building a jigsaw puzzle—I work on small sections and watch it grow.”

Edward began his “watercolor training” by replicating a coastal landscape painting from his favorite artist, Consuello Hanks, from South Bristol, Maine. This exercise enabled him to understand and assimilate the technique and process involved to achieve the effects he desired. Today, Edward has created many scenic watercolors with amazing detail. He has developed a real talent in composition and in capturing a variety of fine textures such as snowfall, foliage, wood, brick, stone, and water.

In addition to his watercolors, Edward makes artisan lamps from mountain laurel found on their wooded property. Each lamp is unique, based upon the twists and turns of the branch found. Not only are they made from natural materials, they are a great way to bring a piece of the Quabbin into one’s home.

The artist also has a background in performance art, playing folk guitar music at coffee houses in Concord and Westboro. A big fan of the Grateful Dead, he has participated in tribute bands at the Lawrence Academy in Groton and The Street—formerly the Chateau de Ville--in Framingham.

The artist welcomes the opportunity to exhibit his work in venues such as hospitals, offices, and other public settings. His paintings have been featured in the Green Trees Gallery in Northfield and the Bank of Western Massachusetts in South Deerfield. He also accepts commissions for custom paintings. High quality archival prints can be viewed at the North Quabbin Woods Visitor Center and Local Artisan Gift Shop or online at www.northquabbinwoods.org and www.4perspectives.com.

Written by Annette Ermini, Director, North Quabbin Woods
A Project of the New England Forestry Foundation