Plum 98: Allen Whiting

by Gwyn McAllister

Teaser

Island-born artist has earned reknown for his MV landscapes and still
tends the sheep farm that's been in his family for generations.

Allen Whiting, born on Martha's Vineyard in 1946, grew up by the landscape he loves to paint. He has a degree in studio painting from Windham College in Vermont. He lives in West Tisbury on his family sheep farms, one partly shaded by stately old elm and maple trees, and the other partly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; both have been in his family for generations. The farm continues today as a tradition in stewardship, overseen by Allen and his extended family.

On this property Allen executes many of his oils, setting up his easel in the open air, working on small wood panels as well as canvases of varying size.

Allen, his wife Lynne, and their children display his work each summer in their gallery, the Davis House, in the Vineyard town of West Tisbury; he recently exhibited in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles galleries. His landscapes are in many private and public collections around the world.

Allen's first book, "Allen Whiting: A Painter at Sixty," was met with island-wide enthusiasm when it was published last fall. The book showcases 32 paintings and drawings primarily based on Martha's Vineyard, but also includes a collection of his travel studies.

Although Allen has acheived the respect of his colleagues both here and off-island, he is still the same island guy who shows his sheep at the fair every year and will always stop to chat with friends or tourists.

What is Plum 98? It’s a collection of 98 individuals (a nice, round number) who have etched a mark in the Martha's Vineyard community with positive energy and vision. Be it in the realm of art, recreation or politics, we at Plum want to recognize these local stars for their encouragement and inspiration. To meet more Plum 98ers, Click here.