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June L. Webb was an artist that depicted pleasant, realistic portraits of everyday life primarily using watercolors and oils. Webb was born in Missoula, Montana and studied art and interior design at the University of Montana and the San Francisco Art Institute. In a 1994 Standard Times article, journalist Patrick Fealey regarded Webb as a “humble, roving spirit, an explorer of sights who captures mood and color with paint and something else, something less definable that comes from within.” Despite her Midwest roots, Webb moved to Jamestown in 1973 and resided on Shoreby Hill.
Locally, she was best known for her portraits of South County, especially of Beavertail Lighthouse, and gained international attention for her paintings of Portugal. In the JHS Collection is a 1978 watercolor portrait of the Conanciut Marine Shed in Jamestown. Webb employed a restrained palette to highlight the local maritime culture of the town. Muted grays and blues depict the water, sky, seagulls, and shed, while soft browns and beiges make up the dock. Small accents of color denote florals and details, portraying the calm and quiet harbor.
Webb’s favorite scenes to depict were street scenes. On exhibition in Town Hall is Webb’s 1978 watercolor painting of East Ferry Shops. In this work, Webb used soft grays, pale blues, and muted greens to form the storefront, creating a serene, coastal atmosphere. The street view is slightly angled, allowing the harbor to be captured as well. The portrait features Sue and Phil Maden sitting on a bench together in front of the shops on an ordinary day in Jamestown.
The simple messaging of the painting reflects Webb’s hope for those who encounter her work: that they become more aware of their surroundings. Through her art, Webb contributed to the preservation of everyday life in Jamestown, capturing the calm, coastal character of the small island town. Her work appeared in shows like the Grand National of the American Artists Professional League in New York City in 1976 and 1980. Later in life, Webb moved to Sarasota, Florida, where she passed away in 2012.
For more details about June Webb in the JHS Collection, click here
