an early watercolour sketch by fid harnack r.s.m.a. 1897-1893 created on board the Finnish barque "Alastor", sailing from the East India Dock to the Gulf of Bothnia in 1930.
Fid starting drawing at an early age but it was not until after having joined the army at 17 and served in france during the the first world war that he was able to study art. in the early 1920s he was soon providing black and white illustrations for several magazines and newspapers .
In 1922 fid moved to west mersea, essex with his familly and was delighted to find himself in a community whose main inhabitants were mainly made up of fishermen, wild fowlers, boat builders, sailmakers and yachtsmen.
Amongst these interesting people at the time was Arthur Briscoe, then in his early fifties; a prime marine artist and illustrator, a fine seaman and owner of the powerful cutter yacht "Golden Vanity". Fid sailed with Briscoe a great deal and cruised with him as far as Falmouth, both painting and sketching all the way, with Briscoe influencing the younger man's work in some ways, particularly criticising Fid's habit of painting facing the light. However, results justified the unusual method and his consummate capturing of reflected light on the sea, the characteristic shining muds of low water and the broad, windy skyscapes of Essex makes his art unique. It remained a fascination all his life.
During the late 1920s fid illustrated sailing magazines, particularly the Yachting Monthly, then resurgent under new editorship of Maurice Griffiths, an east coast devotee attracted by Fid's accurate capturing of the ways of sea and sail. He also did many drawings for "All about ships and shipping", a substantial book edited by his brother.
In 1930 Fid felt the urge to sail in square rig, as Briscoe had done a few years previously and shipped for a voyage in the Finnish barque "Alastor", sailing from the East India Dock to the Gulf of Bothnia in ballast, returning loaded with timber. Here was much new material for his brush and a fine oil of her deck is amongst his favourites.
The late 'twenties and 'thirties could be considered the golden age of Fid Harnack's work. in August 1942 he joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as a Sub Lieutenant.1946 saw a return to painting.
His paintings attracted an international clientele and have been sold to many countries. He has exhibited at the Royal Academy and at many of the major galleries.
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