John Stobart

John Stobart was a renowned marine painter known for his stunning depictions of harbor scenes and sailing ships. After studying at Derby College of Art and the Royal Academy School in London, he was inspired by a voyage to South Africa in the 1950s, which ignited his passion for maritime subjects. In 1959, Stobart moved to Canada, where he painted ships for companies along the St. Lawrence River. By the mid-1960s, he shifted focus to historical sailing scenes, with his first solo exhibition in 1965 at Kennedy Galleries in Boston, drawing attention from collectors. Stobart also creates plein-air works. In 1988, he founded the Stobart Foundation, using profits from his print business to fund fellowships and scholarships for emerging artists, particularly those excelling in plein-air painting. Stobart’s work continues to capture the majestic beauty of sailing ships from a bygone era.