Mariya Moran | 18×24 | Oil on Linen

Inspiration for Mariya Moran

The Mariya Moran belongs to an unusual subset or offshoot of tugboat called an “Articulated Tug & Barge Unit,” or ATB. It’s designed to “push” rather than to “pull” boats and barges around the water. Hence the rather giraffe-like superstructure! It is this odd architectural accent that drew me to paint the boat. The scene was also rather dramatic with a storm brewing to the east. This caused the subject to be strongly lighted by the sun behind me, while the background became quite dark and threatening.

Back in the Studio

During the time I worked on Mariya Moran, I decided to try a new strategy in the studio. Excluding studies, I usually only focus on one larger painting at a time. However, this sometimes leads to mentally “checking out” while painting, especially later in the day. So I decided to combat this effect by working on three paintings simultaneously—keep the juices fresh. And I believe it worked!  Completed pieces can take a little more time to come off the easel, but I think it’s worth it!

Information about the Mariya Moran

Patti Shipyards Incorporated of Pensacola, Florida built the ship in 2015 (hull #175), for the Moran Towing Corporation of New Canaan, Connecticut. Ocean Tug and Barge Engineering of Milford, Massachusetts, designed her as an ATLANTIC IV Class ATB, and named her after Mariya Perreault, the wife of Moran’s Vice President of Engineering Services. The Moran Towing Company placed the ship into service as their  eighth articulated tug and barg. Learn more about the Mariya Moran by visiting tugboatinformation.com!