Jonathan McCrobie’s Digital Fine Art Prints on Display in May Show
Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury IT specialist Jonathan McCrobie has that rare left and right brain talent. He’s analytic and creative.
Between preparing an AI presentation for RWC residents and getting in more than 10,000 steps daily making “house calls” to help with computer, tablet, and cell phone issues, he’s a man on the go.
“Today, one of our resident’s homes is not getting cable or internet,” he said. “It’s grass cutting season so it could be anything. Sometimes I’m running around to help people get rid of viruses. There’ve been a couple of scams. There’s always something going on.”
Still, in his spare time, this Lancaster County native finds time to photograph and digitally produce giclée fine art prints showcasing the beauty of the Northern Neck.
McCrobie is RWC’s featured artist for the month of May. His works will be on display during May in RWC’s Gallery Hall.
To be sure, capturing images of the bucolic life on the river is more relaxing than fixing high-tech issues. McCrobie’s artist statement says:
“Living and working in Virginia’s River Realm my entire life has shaped the heart of this collection. The boats, the docks, the working watermen, the seasonal colors – they’re not just subjects, they’re part of my daily life.”
In addition to seeing McCrobie’s work at RWC, you can see 10 of his prints at Dredge restaurant in Irvington. Be on the lookout for images of crabs, sailboats, the Rappahannock River, iconic creeks, the Norris Bridge, sailboats and more at the Irvington Farmer’s Market or on his website: https://www.baywindowart.com/
His work is listed on his website for $150 to $450 per print, but one digital giclée just fetched $900 at a fundraising auction.
McCrobie said he’s been trying to make a go of it with his art for the last four years.
“I’ve always taken photos,” he said. “Finally, a friend of mine said, ‘Dude, you gotta do something with these.’ One thing led to another and here I am.”
With trial and error, McCrobie used his IT brain to perfect a system that takes several hours to create just one print. He takes a photograph and runs it through several different programs to create over-sized digital prints (up to 60 inches) that he can customize to fit specific wall spaces.
He wishes he had more time to devote to his craft, but after moving all over RWC’s campus during the day and chasing his two-year-old son at night, he doesn’t have much energy left.
However, McCrobie promises to have a nice selection of his work available to show in May.
Residents and community members are invited to view the art exhibition from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily throughout May at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury, 132 Lancaster Dr. in Irvington.