NEWBURYPORT — By the time an artist’s paintings are for sale in one of Newburyport’s art galleries, they often cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. But local painter Barrett Jackson is offering art lovers and collectors a more economical option and a chance to get in on the ground floor with an up-and-coming talent.
For a limited time, the 13-year-old Newburyporter is setting up shop on Inn Street, displaying his watercolors on the sidewalk and enlisting friends to help him make sales to passers-by.
When he put his work out for sale at last year’s Yankee Homecoming, Jackson took home $150. This year he’s hoping to do even better. He has more than 140 pieces for sale priced between $10 and $20.
Jackson has been studying with Amesbury art teacher Joan Gessner for the past seven years, and it’s easy to see the progression between his earlier and more recent work. Among the works for sale are a sampling of beach scenes that range back over several years.
“You can see here, the color blending isn’t as smooth,” he said, pointing to a watercolor he did in fifth grade. “It looks a lot better in this newer one.”
Jackson said he doesn’t expect to sell out of his paintings, but if he does, there’s always more where they came from. He estimates it takes him about 10 minutes to paint one of his watercolor scenes.
“It’s just something I really like to do,” said Jackson, who will soon enter the eighth grade at Immaculate Conception School. “I definitely want to keep painting through high school.”
And after that? Does he dream of becoming a professional artist?
“Yeah, that’s something I’m going to consider,” he said. “I mean, I’d rather work for X-Box.”
Barrett Jackson, right , puts out his artwork on Inn Street with the help of his friends Brendan Leonard and Matt Knox.Jim Vaiknoras/Staff Photo(Click for larger image)
