David P. Curtis (1950-2021)

David P. Curtis is an acclaimed American plein air landscape painter known for his expressive brushwork and dedication to traditional painting methods. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, Curtis grew up surrounded by art—his father was the well-known marine painter Roger W. Curtis, and his uncle Howard Curtis was an influential early mentor. During his years at Gloucester High School, he immersed himself in the rich artistic traditions of Cape Ann, one of the most historic art colonies in the United States.

Curtis took weekend classes at the Massachusetts College of Art, where he received critique and guidance from Ken Gore. After graduating, he studied at the Boston Museum School in the summer of 1968 before enrolling at the Vesper George School of Art. In 1969, Curtis began a pivotal mentorship with prominent Boston School painter R. H. Ives Gammell, continuing intensive atelier study until 1971 and again in 1974–75. He also studied part-time with Robert Douglas Hunter, further deepening his classical training.

Over the years, Curtis has played an active role in the New England art community. He has served on the Board of Managers of the Guild of Boston Artists, chaired the Arts and Exhibition Committee of the North Shore Arts Association, and was President of the Rockport Art Association & Museum, helping preserve and promote the Cape Ann School of American Impressionism.

Primarily known for his outdoor oil landscape painting, Curtis has received numerous awards, including the Robb Sagendorph Memorial Award (Copley Society of Boston), A.T. Hibbard Memorial Awards (Rockport Art Association), Frank Benson Awards (Guild of Boston Artists), and Marguerite Neuhauser Shafer Memorial Awards (North Shore Arts Association). His work is exhibited and collected internationally and is included in Who’s Who in the East.

In 2019, he received the Charles Movalli Award and Gold Medal for Excellence in Painting, as well as the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for his artistic contributions. For nearly 30 years, Curtis has taught plein air oil painting workshops across Cape Ann, New England, and Virginia, continuing the legacy of American Impressionism through both his artwork and instruction.