Portfolio - Small Boats
Smaller Sea Faring Projects
In addition to the large project destined for museums, Rich creates many projects for individual collectors, traveling displays, and more. Here are a few shots of some of those models.
Handcrafted fishing boat model displayed on a three-dimensional rough sea base, depicting the vessel in turbulent waves with dynamic movement and finely detailed maritime craftsmanship.
Close-up of the interior of a handcrafted Bedford whaleboat model, showcasing intricate woodwork, bench seating, and finely detailed internal construction that reflects traditional boatbuilding craftsmanship.
Handcrafted Bedford whaleboat model displayed in a historic launch-ready position, highlighting traditional construction, clean hull lines, and finely executed maritime craftsmanship.
Small boat tied along the shore, set against a detailed beach scene ready for a quiet coastal campout.
"Pirates"
Handcrafted wooden rowboat model resting along a detailed shoreline, featuring interior gear, oars, and a realistic coastal setting.
Created for the Morro Bay Maritime Museum
This vignette represents some of the things we might have all done when we were kids. Ever do something your Mom said not to do? Well, I went to college with a friend who always laughed at this, his very own story. He grew up close to the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon. Along the river are many “channels” that used to have abandoned boats and barges from long ago eras. But some “modern day” folks would haul their “unfixable” there to sink or whatever and not pay for disposal. Well, my friend had a brother and they always did their “dare” thing. After playing on this wreck, being pirates and all, maybe even a little Captain Hook, they got some serious splinters. So as Mom found out where, with the Band-Aids and splinter removal, she told them “NOT TO EVER GO THERE AGAIN, AS IT IS REALLY TOO DANGEROUS TO PLAY THERE!”
Well, a 10 year old and a 12 year old could not contain themselves, and dared to defy Mom’s direction. After slipping on the mossy wood and landing hard on a rusty nail, the jig was up. They learned the hard way. So that ended okay after tetanus shots and all that goes with that, plus grounding. Their enthusiasm for not following directions was calmed quite a bit.
The boat and water were made with a little resin, sand, and deserted beach flotsam. Living near the beach, I would find various detritus on the shore. I would pick up the interesting things and take them home. I found some teak plank parts from an old boat and decided to build this story. I have seen these types of sunken craft in canals both in Portland and especially in the Seattle area, but that was a long time ago. Abandoned boats are still around but fewer than in the 1980s. So with the story, description, idea, and creativity (using materials long ago dumped as trash), it gives the art a better “feeling,” or warmer emotions, which are part of what I put into this “moment in time.” As with other pieces, I make the “line” with a “rope walk,” including the scale and twist it should have.
The little wave action is done by allowing the resin to start to set and then, with a brush, moving the surface into the right height before it is completely dry. I also add color with paint. I can hear the lap of water, can you?
Richard J. Melillo