The Art of David Arsenault

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The Art of David Arsenault The page of Gloucester MA American Realist oil painter David Arsenault. David Arsenault has been an oil painter for more than 20 years.

Light-filled, colorful art that captures ordinary moments in an extraordinary way. A visit to The Art of David Arsenault Gallery offers you a timeless interpretation of the Cape Ann experience. Colorful, peaceful scenes of Rockport, Gloucester, and more, along with unique perspectives on our world, leave you feeling at peace yet engaged and seeing in a different way when you return to the outdoors. The next time you visit Rockport, step inside the gallery and meet David and his wife Sue, enjoy relaxing jazz music, and take your time viewing dozens of original oil paintings and numerous canvas giclée prints. Be sure to bring your own unique way of seeing—along with your love of Cape Ann. The Wall Street Journal once recognized his style for its similarity to Edward Hopper’s—who likewise painted on Cape Ann—by stating that “Some of Mr. Arsenault’s paintings could pass for works by Edward Hopper, just at a thousandth of the price.” Arsenault is known for his colorful and
dramatically-lit “frozen moment” scenes of Cape Ann and Cape Cod, along with road trips, neon signs and night, and landmarks like diners and drive-ins. His current work is exclusively made up of paintings depicting places in and around Cape Ann, focusing around Rockport and Gloucester.

On Tuesday I began a new painting, and here's your first look at it. The working title is "Nightfall;" the size is 24" x...
10/23/2026

On Tuesday I began a new painting, and here's your first look at it. The working title is "Nightfall;" the size is 24" x 30". As always, my goal is to refine the light, give things more "solidity," and add some details that—hopefully—add to the story. For both of us.

Not being in the heart of downtown Rockport's art colony has its disadvantages, including being "out of the loop." This ...
10/22/2026

Not being in the heart of downtown Rockport's art colony has its disadvantages, including being "out of the loop." This morning I was saddened to read of the passing last week of fellow artist Bruce Backman Turner at age 84. Bruce moved to town in 1972 with the goal of opening a gallery of his work—just like I did 42 years later. He was quite a guy: a real personality as well as a talented painter. He honored me in August when, despite a heart condition, he climbed the stairs to see my show at the Rockport Art Association & Museum (saying "if I could make it up there anyone can!!"). He then followed up with a very gracious and flattering message in review. Mr. Turner has now climbed the Ultimate Staircase, where he likely found an infinite amount of inspiration to greet him. And his beloved Janice. Rest in peace, Bruce.

A lot goes into shipping a painting to a collector, especially if it's a large one. That also includes dollars, since th...
10/21/2026

A lot goes into shipping a painting to a collector, especially if it's a large one. That also includes dollars, since there's typically a massive "oversize charge" added by the carrier. Nonetheless, I'm relieved and grateful when I learn that the work has been received, opened, and seen to be just as it was when I said goodbye. This photo came yesterday from Pennsylvania, where "Out Standing in Their Field" (4 feet by 3 feet, plus frame) was placed on the mantel to await installation in a brand new home. A deep breath; all is well.

Libreria Fuori Porta in Lucca, Italy yesterday brought to my attention that my painting "Apartment by the Sea" is on the...
10/20/2026

Libreria Fuori Porta in Lucca, Italy yesterday brought to my attention that my painting "Apartment by the Sea" is on the cover of the Italian hardcover edition of Elizabeth Strout's "The Things We Never Say" (Le Cose Che Non Diciamo in Italian). The US edition of her book, published in May, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. All told, that brings the count of books with my art on their cover to an even 40 publications. I'm very grateful.

I was a bit overzealous in preparing for last weekend's Arts & Crafts Show, so as a result, there are a number of small ...
10/18/2026

I was a bit overzealous in preparing for last weekend's Arts & Crafts Show, so as a result, there are a number of small unmounted prints on paper remaining. There is only one—1—of each, and they're being offered at the special show price. Click on the link below if you're interested, either for yourself or if you are thinking ahead to gift-giving season. https://www.artofdavid.com/small-paper-prints
Shown: "Above the Atlantic Path" (top left); "Christmas Motif" (top right); "Harboring Moonlight" (bottom left); "Splash" (bottom right)

Sue acquired this lamp in Seattle decades ago, and amazingly it's survived many, many moves intact. I've always admired ...
10/17/2026

Sue acquired this lamp in Seattle decades ago, and amazingly it's survived many, many moves intact. I've always admired the design but especially the light and shadows it creates. As you can see, it has appeared in a painting, a small work simply entitled "The Light" (shown). It will make a return engagement in a new 24" x 30" interior painting to be started today with the working title of "Nightfall." Given a very busy weekend which includes travel, I hope to have something worth sharing by the middle of next week.

Some trees are definitely on the fast track for autumnal change, seemingly already at peak color. And when the late afte...
10/16/2026

Some trees are definitely on the fast track for autumnal change, seemingly already at peak color. And when the late afternoon sun puts them in the spotlight...wow.

A little perspective, like a little humor, goes a long way. ~Allen Klein(Shown: "Housesitting," 24" x 36" oil, private c...
10/15/2026

A little perspective, like a little humor, goes a long way.
~Allen Klein
(Shown: "Housesitting," 24" x 36" oil, private collection)

With the holiday weekend behind us, I'm caught reflecting on how mid-October really seemed to mark the closure of "The T...
10/14/2026

With the holiday weekend behind us, I'm caught reflecting on how mid-October really seemed to mark the closure of "The Tourist Season" for my gallery business. That made for a bittersweet realization: the busyness—and business—was morphing into a slower, less productive period. A huge energetic shift. Yet balance is important, and this was an invitation you were wise to accept.
(Photo of Motif No. 1 reflection taken Oct. 14, 2018)

A few times a year, Sue and I make it back to Halibut Point State Park to walk around and appreciate all of the natural ...
10/13/2026

A few times a year, Sue and I make it back to Halibut Point State Park to walk around and appreciate all of the natural beauty there. So much beauty, even as I'm reminded that 100 years ago it was the site of stone workers doing very hard physical labor to make a living. Not far from the entrance is the overlook you see at left: a view of the quarry and beyond to the sea. It was this approximate perspective which led me to paint "Taken for Granite" (at right, 24" x 18", oil, private collection) in 2022.

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Gloucester, MA
01930

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