Simon Bull supports a whale of a project

Simon Bull donated a work of art to benefit the Marineland Right Whale Project in Florida. Photo courtesy of the St. Augustine Record.

Park West Gallery artist Simon Bull has a lot of heart, and he showed it in more ways than one with a donation to the Marineland Right Whale Project (MRWP).

The St. Augustine Record tells of the English-born artist donating the work, “All About Love, XII,” to benefit MRWP. The artwork features a colorful heart, a recurring motif in Bull’s bold artwork – he will even use the symbol of love in his signature.

MRWP volunteers Penny Bellas and Becki Smith met Bull last year at an art event in Orlando, discovering their mutual passions for art and whales. Thanks to this encounter, Bull decided to donate the art to benefit the organization.

Formed in 2001, the MRWP is made up of two scientists and 200-plus volunteers that work to conserve the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. The population of the species is currently estimated to be around 500.

The artwork will be on display at the Ocean Art Gallery, located at 200 S. Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Beach, Florida. The work will be raffled off, with all proceeds benefiting MRWP. The drawing will be held May 1.

Bull’s art career has spanned nearly four decades. He has shown in Great Britain, Amsterdam, Paris, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong and the United States. Along with hearts, his artwork has featured landscapes, still life and flowers. His more recent works involve pouring, dripping and throwing paint onto canvas and board with black backgrounds.

From December to March, right whales migrate to northeastern Florida to birth and raise their calves before heading north to feed in New England and Canadian waters. The MRWP works to track and respond to sightings and activities, and to educate the public about these endangered creatures.

For more information about MRWP, visit http://www.aswh.org/whale/main.html.