Raymond Massey is a self taught artist whose paintings can bring the past to life. His work fairly bristles with fine detail, the vision of an artist combined with the fervor of a born historian. The colors that flow from his brush take form in a tradition of visual documentation, information mated to beauty in a marriage that, for the artist, is spurred by the romance of the sea.

Only after months of careful research, including volumes of notes and sketches and visits to the Far East, did Mr. Massey begin his series of paintings documenting Americis early trade with China. His efforts are bringing him critical acclaim and a growing reputation as a major American maritime artist.