I had grown up painting with my father, artist Lee Boynton. Art was one of the special bonds he and I shared. When he passed away in April 2016, I was thrown into an arduous. multi-faceted struggle in myself around my art and finding meaning in it. The thought of painting triggered an overwhelming sense of loss. I questioned my ability to paint. I found myself comparing my work to my father’s, and, feeling like I was falling short, questioned “Why Paint?”
I was in the midst of dealing with the loss of my father, when Steve Urbanczyk called to offer me a commission of a 24 x 36” oil painting for him and his wife Judy. This was the start of pushing me through and overcoming these personal shadows in my heart that had been hanging over me for many months. I was able to complete that painting, and when they received it with such warmth and appreciation, I felt on top of the world! I had wrestled the dragon of grief and won! But this journey wasn’t over yet. Mr. Urbanczyk offered me a second commission, a 40x36” oil painting for the Chesapeake Yacht Club. He had the idea of giving this painting as a retirement gift to the manager of the club, Cordell Vitkun, in honor of his 33 years of service.
The first painting gave me the opportunity to re-examine my relationship with art. Somewhere in the scrutiny of line and color, I could see the value of positive self-critique. Instead of unproductive questions like “why is this looking so bad?” I began to ask myself, “what can I do to make this better?” Instead of focusing on the loss of my Dad and feeling crushed with grief, I could focus on finding my own path and artistic style.
The opportunity to learn these lessons twice really struck home with me. This larger painting would be the ultimate challenge. My Dad was right there with me. As Mr. Urbanczyk drove me to the yacht Club, on the way there a road sign caught my eye Lee Blvd. I loved seeing my Dad’s name at a really important moment such as this!
Mr. Urbanczyk parked in front of the club and gave me a tour. This was another world. I had left behind the hustle bustle of Annapolis and enter an idillic haven in Shady Side. The sparkling water leading out to the West River with undeveloped views of trees and rural vistas in the distance, was a perfect spot for boaters and artists alike. As I was introduced to the different members of the staff, it was clear to me that everyone there was very supportive and kind. Without their awareness, they were all very naturally contributing towards creating a vibrant and sincere sense of family. I imaged the love and respect they showed one another would translate into a wonderful sense of community among the members.
View of the Chesapeake Yacht Club I used as a reference
The painting was to capture the many elements important to the Clubs storyline - a monumental challenge, I thought when I was first presented with the job. I was told that my preliminary sketches and studies would be presented to the board for their approval. I made many trips to the Club, and when I turned on Lee Blvd, I felt my Dad’s love pushing me forward.
Sharon Vitkun, Cordell’s wife, joined me on a walk around the property. I listened closely to what she told me were the most important elements of the club property as the painting was going to be a surprise gift for her husband. He had no idea it was coming! She told me the flag pole was especially significant because each flag represented a different person who was serving on the board and their role in the community. It was important to Sharon that the adirondack chairs and the cherry tree near the flag pole be included. She explained that the cherry tree was planted in memory of the young daughter of one of the board members who had passed away suddenly, and how the whole club was impacted by the loss. I could relate. I took all these stories, sketches and mental memories back with me to my studio to process them.
The finished painting
I worked very carefully on the flags because they had the most meaning. I felt a lot of pressure as I was the newcomer here — new to the Club, new to the symbolism of the flags, and the roles they were to convey, and even new to how the direction of the wind and light would play upon them. I was well aware that the painting would be presented to a room full of people who knew everything about those things. I felt at peace remembering the heartfelt stories about the club and as I became consumed by the sparkling view. The kind guidance of those around me helped me see clear steps to follow. With all these elements working together, as well as the sense of my Dad being there with me, the painting came together easily.
The Club held a beautiful ceremony on honor of Cordel’s many years of service on November 9th, 2019. Mr. Urbanczyk and I hugged Cordell as we presented the painting to him and the three of us were moved to tears. Everything seemed to culminate in my mind at that moment — THIS is why I paint.
A month following the ceremony, I decided to present Mr. Urbanczyk with the idea of having a show of my father’s paintings at the Club. He loved the idea. My Mom and I are working with the club to put the show together - Lee Boynton: Celebrating the Chesapeake, now sscheduled for September 2021.
Sharon and Cordell after receiving the painting
Lynne Mulston, current commodore at Chesapeake Yacht Club and Drew, the Club manager, standing next to a print of the painting that Lynne gifted to CYC. Prints are now available to order in two sizes.