A master of rendering ships at sea with outstanding realism, John Steven Dews is widely regarded as the greatest living marine painter. In the present work, Dews' skillful depiction of dynamic movement is fully evident as he faithfully renders the Crackerjack racing towards victory in the Swan European Regatta of 1993. With its sweeping deck lines and beautiful curves, the Swan 46 was the most successful cruiser designed by the famed naval architect Germán Frers, and Dews perfectly renders its grace in the water as Crackerjack closes in on Eclipse in this neck-and-neck race. Imbued with excitement and energy, the monumental oil on canvas captures the action and excitement of ships at full sail, pulling his viewer into the heart-racing adventure of the race.

Born in Yorkshire in 1949, Dews learned his trade at the Hull Regional College of Art after being turned down as a candidate at numerous naval academies. He turned to art to express his love for the sea, eventually building a sizable enough portfolio to mount his first exhibition in 1976. An astounding success, nearly the entire collection was sold on opening night, and Dews received 17 new commissions. Ever since his blockbuster opening, Dews has enjoyed remarkable success and critical acclaim, earning numerous prestigious commissions and awards to this day as one of Britain’s most sought-after living artists.