The Origins of Nsomniak Art
I'm a self-taught “pandemic painter.” During a bout with INSOMNIA late one night in DEC 2020 at the height of the Covid outbreak, I discovered the Bob Ross Channel streaming on internet TV. After binge-watching several episodes of this iconic artist, I grabbed a couple of old brushes, some acrylic paints and a set of stretched canvases from my daughter's craft closet and… I started to paint. Of course, my first painting included mountains with "happy, little trees." After a few Ross-style pieces, however, I became interested in learning about other methods of painting.
With YouTube videos and books by Carlson, Payne, etc. serving as my "formal art instruction," I absorbed all I could about art history, drawing, visual perspective, values, color theory, etc. I also joined the Mispillion Art League in Spring 2021 and entered my first juried show. Much to my surprise, I received an Honorable Mention for "Last Fetch!"
This is what exhibit jurors recently said about my work: “Ed’s coastal landscapes are vibrant statements that evoke a mood and expansive sense of place and time. The execution of light is accomplished and the color palettes are warm and inviting. The focal point of each painting is clear. The careful use of shadow compels you to examine these pieces for exciting details.”
Inspired by the magnificent vistas of the Delmarva Peninsula, my art journey continues with additional landscape paintings exploration, including participation in local and regional plein air events. I am an artist-partner at Gallery One in Ocean View, DE and I’m also a member of the Art League of Ocean City, MD. In 2022, I founded Paint Laurel Plein Air in Laurel, DE, a one-day plein air paint out, which attracts 30 regional artists annually.
Awards & Recognition
Mispillion Art League/19th Annual Juried Show- Honorable Mention (Oils/Acrylics)
Mispillion Art League/19th Annual Judged Show- First Place (Oils/Acrylics)
The Changing Chesapeake/Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum- Juried Exhibit
Mispillion Art League/20th Annual Judged Show- Second Place (Oils/Acrylics)
Plein Air West Reading 2023- Juried Entry
Paint Laurel Plein Air (Laurel, DE)- “Great Things Come Naturally” award
Plein Air West Reading 2023- 1st Place/Best West Reading
Artists Paint OC 2023- Best Maritime
Juried Member Selection (SEP 2023)- Working Artists Forum
Paint Dover 2023-2nd Place/Small Works
Local Colors ’24 @ Plein Air Easton- Juried Entry
Artists Paint OC ‘24- “Ray Ewing Artists’ Choice Award“ (Best Body of Work)
Paint Worcester Plein Air ‘24- 2nd Place, Artists’ Choice and Horizon Farm awards
Local Colors ‘25 (Working Artists Forum) @ Plein Air Easton- Juried Entry
Corporate Partners Show 2025 @ Art League of Ocean City- Juried Entry