Sami Mancini has mastered the art of watercolor. Once a hobby, the popularity of her work soared on social media, leading to a business with big-name clients
Written by Alison Pappas
Portrait by Grant L. Gursky
In many projects — such as baking or gardening — adding a few extra drops of water does not typically have any impact on the final product. In watercolor art, however, even a minuscule change in the amount of water applied has the potential to completely transform a piece. This is why precision is a key skill needed to fully excel in this art form.
Over time, local artist Sami Mancini has mastered the art of watercolor. As a student at Worcester Preparatory School, she found herself spending almost every minute of spare time doodling and sketching in the school’s art room. She then went on to minor in fine arts at Salisbury University. While her collegiate studies fine-tuned her natural artistic abilities, it was a study-abroad experience in Spain — especially a visit to Pablo Picasso’s home — that she credits with truly igniting her passion for painting. While she isn’t limited to just one art medium, Sami considers watercolors to be her specialty.
“I enjoy how you can control the colors and vibrancy of the piece with the amount of water, and my light and airy style is enhanced through my use of it. Watercolor is the perfect medium, it’s challenging, playful and has a mind of its own,” shared Sami.
After graduating, Sami resettled on the Shore and worked full-time as a real estate agent.
Davidson is known for his talent in composition and design, and he has a particularly keen eye for details most do not notice. He loves the way signs and utilitarian objects age. The patina gained from hot summers and brittle winters is his specialty. “I like to take time and look at the details of something” is how he casually describes his uncanny notice of years of wear. He is patient in his observation, and he replicates age with unflinching precision.
Distressed boards, doors and weathered firkins are all used for his paintings — he routinely buys old nails and dated hardware. The materials contribute only a portion to his success in recreating vintage signs. He has studied the patterns of how old things weather and wear. Though he uses durable and readily available materials, like 1 Shot enamel paints, he has developed techniques to make the paint look and feel old. He will not explain how he does it, but his style is convincing enough to fool experts.
“I’ve been very, very fortunate,” Davidson comments as he considers his work. He is supported by collectors from around the country who wait in line to buy his latest paintings. His folk-art trade signs have appeared in movies and hang in corporate offices of large companies as a reminder of long-gone brands that were once household names.
The work of Kevin Davidson is a reminder. It points to another era, before speed became the currency of progress. It was when ordinary objects, like painted signs advertising oysters, cigars and beer, had time to weather and hang undisturbed for years. They are fading history, and his eye for detail notices the charm found in those things nearly forgotten. Instead of lamenting the loss, he is reviving the love for a lost art form. With old boards, paint and a brush, he is restoring
its legacy.
SIGN LANGUAGE | As a real estate agent, Sami painted the exterior of a home she sold and gifted it to her client — opening new doors of opportunity for the local artist.
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