New Work by Fred Sprock Featured in September

Oil painting of George ISland oyster shack by Fred Sprock     Oil painting of Snowfield by Fred SprockOil painting of boat on bay by Fred Sprock

 

 

 

 

         New Work by Fred Sprock

Fred Sprock moved to Snow Hill a year ago after spending most of his life in his native Charlotte NC. He began painting, taking oil lessons from Andy Braitman at Braitman Studio in Charlotte. His work has evolved from tight representational to a looser, more painterly style. He attributes this to increasing his use of painting knives which often results in less control, leaving it to the viewer to decide “Is that a house, a church, or maybe a shed in the distance? Before moving to Snow Hill, while teaching classes at Braitman Studio, Fred would say, “If you do this, this will happen.” He realized, for him, this bridged the difference between a painter and an artist. Over time, the painter acquires a set of technical skills that enables one to render a strong likeness of the subject matter. The artist abandons that knowledge base and asks, “If I do this, what will happen?” Now that he is finding inspiration on the Eastern Shore, Fred is trying to become an artist – not just a painter. His work is included in the Duke Energy; Womble Carlyle; and Stiles,Byrum and Horne, LLP corporate collections. This is his first featured show at Bishop’s Stock.

Wines of the Month – Purato Catarratto/Pinot Grigio 2011, Sicily & LeSalette Valpolicella Classico 2011, Veneto, Italy

Featured Wines for September – 2011 Purato Catarratto/Pinot Grigio, Sicily & 2011 Le Salette Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy

 

Label for Purato Catarratto Pinot Grigio wine2011 Purato Catarratto/Pinot Grigio IGT, Sicily                                    $12

Purato Catarratto-Pinot Grigio IGT 2011 has 60% Catarratto which gives more body to the 40% Pinot Grigio. The blending of these two grapes creates an enjoyable, everyday drinking wine that offers intense aromas of both citrus, tropical fruit flavors and a hint of dried herbs. The palate is beautifully weighted with fine texture, balanced acidity and a lingering dry finish. This is perfect with seafood or as an aperitif. The packaging of this wine is interesting since the bottle is 85% recycled glass and the labels are recycled paper with vegetable ink. Even the wine cases are made with recycled cardboard. Alcohol: 13%

 

 

label for Le Salette Valpolicella wine from Veneto

2011 LeSalette Valpolicella Classico DOC, Veneto, Italy       $17

This is wine is produced in the viticulture zone, Valpolicella. Le Salette Valpolicella Classico DOC 2011 is 50% Corvina, 40% Rondinella and Sangiovese, 5% Molinara and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon – a classic Valpolicella blend. After decades of less than stellar wines Valpolicella has come back with more refined vintages. The color of this wine is a dark red ruby with garnet highlights. The bouquet is intense and full of dry fruit and spices. The palate is soft and balanced with a long finish very much like a Beaujolais. This is a great wine to pair with end of summer steaks on the grill. Alcohol: 12.5%