Bruce's Maritime Art

Bruce Von Stetina, ASMA, ISMP

Bruce Von Stetina is known for his highly-detailed oil paintings of sailing ships. His specialty is large battle scenes, including a 4' X 6' scene from the Battle of 1666 from the Second Anglo-Dutch War and a 4' X 6' oil depicting the battle between the USS Constitution and HMS Java. Scroll down the page to see the painting Bruce is currently working on, a 4' X 5' oil of the Battle of Solebay, 1672. Photos of this piece in progress will be updated periodically.

For information regarding purchasing a painting, licensing an image or commissioning a new piece, contact Bruce at vsart@tampabay.rr.com . Dealer inquiries welcome.

Click on images to enlarge.

The Second Day of the Four Day Battle of 1666

Scene from the Second Anglo-Dutch War

4' X 6' Oil

copyright Bruce Von Stetina

Another Victory for Old Ironsides

Battle between USS Constitution and HMS Java

4' X 6' oil - sold

Currently in progress, The Battle of Solebay. Oil, 4' X 5'

Photos of Bruce's progress on this painting will be posted periodically.

Photos below taken on 8/26/2007

photos below taken on 6/16/2007

photos below taken on 5/16/2007

photos below taken on 3/31/2007

photos below taken on 2/6/2007

detail of Dutch ship

The battle of Solebay was fought on May 28, 1672. It was the first battle in the Third Anglo-Dutch War. The French were allied with the English, but on this day the French slipped away and left the English alone to face the Dutch navy.

The central ship in this painting is the 100 gun Royal James, flag ship of the Earl of Sandwich. At the Battle of Solebay the ship was one year old. The ship heading into the painting on the left had been stuck for a time under the bowsprit of the Royal James, leaving the Royal James vulnerable to raking. As the wind dropped the Dutch sent fire ships, one is seen against the right side of the Royal James.

The painting captures the moment that the Earl of Sandwich left the Royal James in the ship’s boat, intending to bring his flag to another ship. Some of the crew panicked and jumped from the burning ship, swamping the boat. The Earl drowned and was later identified by his clothing. The remainder of the crew stayed aboard to fight on, but despite their efforts the Royal James burned to the waterline.

Dreams of Past and Future

23 1/2" x 35 1/2", Oil

The old sailor on the wharf looks back on his life at sea questing after the whale. The loss of his leg has kept him ashore and he dreams of the strength of his youth. No longer able to sail the seas, his dreams are passed to the grandson he holds by the hand. The child in turn holds tight his own dreams of the future in the form of the toy boat resting in his arm. The faithful dog he will have to leave ashore represents the leaving of home and passage into manhood.

The Touchup

22" x 34" oil of the clipper ship Lightening in harbor

price on request

Heading Out

24" x 30" oil of the Grand Banks fishing schooner, the Bluenose.

First Place winner, 2007 Veterans Art Competion, Bay Pines, Florida.

$3,450.00 framed. Crating and shipping charges additional.

As with all of Bruce Von Stetina's maritime work, Heading Out is based on actual body and sail plans. The deck layout is based on written descriptions and similar plans for these schooners.

In 1921 the Bluenose, a salt banker designed by W.J. Rové of Halifax, succeeded in lifting the Atlantic Seaboard Championship trophy (a series of 40 mile races) from the schooner Elsie" of Gloucester. In 1922 she won again against the Ford, in 1923 her contest with the Columbia was marred by protests and hard feelings on each side. "No Race" was declared.

30" X 40" oil - sold

The Rainbow

We're Moving! After 4/24/08, our address will be:

Laura and Bruce Von Stetina

370 NE Cattail Dr

Madison, FL 32340

(850) 973-6315

Von Stetinas * 6565 67th Ave. N. * Pinellas Park, FL 33781

Tel/Fax (727) 545-4972

vsart@tampabay.rr.com

Graphics by Laura Von Stetina