News / Hardie Gramatky
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Dec 13, 2013
Hardie Gramatky's "Compo Beach Figures"
Read more →Andrew Wyeth called Hardie Gramatky one of America’s 20 greatest watercolorists. Many parents called him a gifted author and illustrator; his “Little Toot” books kept kids entertained for hours. Westporters called him “neighbor.” Though world-renowned, Gramatky loved painting local scenes. Compo Beach was a special place for him and his family. In 1971 he produced a watercolor called “Compo Beach Figures.” After winning an award in 1974, the work was purchased by Joan Neff and Fred Shearer. In 1979 they presented it to the town of Westport, as a gift. Three months later, Gramatky died of cancer. Hardie Gramatky at...