“AURORA” Goddess of the Dawn by Ocean Grove artist Jack Bredin. © Click to enlarge. August, 2018. Photo of the painting by Rob Bredin.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.net
Jack Bredin decided years ago to paint the historic Aurora Hotel. This year he finally completed the project. Jack usually begins by photographing his subject, and when he was doing that, he saw a woman watering her lawn near the Aurora. It turns out that she is the owner of that house, and she gave Jack permission to use her in his painting. The dog walker also was present on the day of the photographs and he also gave permission.
The historic Angel of Victory statue is depicted at the lower right corner. Jack has used the famous statue in other paintings. Here is a BF link by Kathy Arlt regarding the Angel:
Jack works in oil on canvas, and his paintings often contain historic and current references. For example, Jack always admired the giant American flag hung from the Aurora at times such as the 4th of July. But the flag obscured many details, so Jack placed bunting instead.
The vacant North End is readily seen. Someday much of what Jack shows here will be considered historic For example, the “White Whale” building near the upper right hand corner, will probably be demolished in the future. And the glorious views currently available to all at the North End will be blocked by a commercialized OG North End (aka “South Asbury Park.”)
Wonderful Victorian homes are shown in the foreground, but looming behind, like some prehistoric monster, is a condominium building, the sort of place that mars the views in the Grove.
Jack insists on accuracy in his paintings, while taking some minor liberties. For example, the girl on the bike is a Heck Avenue neighbor named Jackie. And the Aurora, the symbol of the Greek Goddess of dawn, will be converted into 4 condos if the out-of-town interlopers get their way, with the gears greased by the feckless HPC (def: lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible.) and the out-of-town, don’t-give-a crap Committee.
It should be noted that although Jack’s work might stimulate political discussions, he never mixes art and politics.
You also can see that Jack has frozen the time of his subject by including the 16 story Asbury skyscraper currently going up near the ocean. You can see the giant crane on top. What effect will that huge building have on life in the Grove?
STEVE HOLY:
Where does Jack show his paintings?
There should be more parked cars and people walking the boardwalk toward the Casino. Otherwise, nice job.
Jack’s painting is indeed wonderful, and does capture the Aurora and its surroundings at an interesting point in time, but why cast aspersions on the HPC? They haven’t even been involved in this yet, and certainly have nothing to do with the use variance of this property from single family to condos.
The article serves to highlight the thoughtfulness that went into creating this masterpiece. The Aurora is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Ocean Grove. The serene view of Wesley Lake and it’s surrounds no doubt expresses Jack’s desire to capture a piece of history before the area changes.
If Jack decides to make prints available, as “Tenter” suggests, it would provide opportunity to obtain an iconic piece of history.
Well done Jack!
Really like this! Jack is so talented. I hope he’ll be selling prints! I like how he included so many details, like the Angel of Victory, and how he made more parking spaces on the north end, and added Asbury buildings in the distance!
Good question, how will the changes in Asbury impact Ocean Grove? and can Ocean Grove have a positive impact on Asbury?
This photo of the painting is definitely one to click and enlarge!