My husband and I are working on creating a lighthouse "corner" -- that is about all I have space for in our "temporary" small condo. I just hung two nice Mark Sherman prints that I bought from HL; and have been eyeing my extra HL calendars, in light of framing some of the pages.

Besides the 1999 Mark Sherman HL calendar, I also have a photographic lighthouse calendar on the refrigerator. And being a semi-pro photographer, I am really partial to photographic images. But in this case, I really prefer the beautiful artwork renditions by Mark for HL's calendar. So many other calendar companies put out photographic lighthouse calendars, that I wonder why HL gave up their very distinctive artwork one? Which kind would you prefer HL put out each year and why?

Why haven't there been any new 9 x 12 Sherman prints on the HL product order sheet? Do you think they were a good seller? Did you buy them? I would like to see new ones available to keep pace with the new HL miniatures that are issued. How about you?

I like my Mark Sherman calendar. I think most HL collectors do to. Now if you're not an HL Collector you might prefer the pictures of the real thing. 6 of one...half dozen of the other!

Bob

For me, I'm afraid nothing comes close to Mark Sherman's calendar. Although the photographs in the new HL calendar are lovely, I really liked the paintings much better.

Joanne

Sorry, but Mark Sherman has never really won me over!


------------------
Ken T

I know this will seem like the easy way out, but I like the idea of either alternating pictures and paintings. i think it would work best with alternating years, but done well it could be done in the same year's calendar. Dennis

I believe the Mark Sherman calendar is a quality production. Pretty nice "photo" calendars are available for like $4.99 in the grocery store. I guess I like both. Haven't seen this year's HL version. As I now do the majority of the "writing" on a desk calendar I could just use the old one and start over as I don't look at the dates! As to saving the pictures to frame, I have a bunch I've been saving for years! And a lighthouse corner? Corner/smorner, do the whole place!

Lighthouse photo calendars are a dime a dozen. Some are good, some not so good. But a Mark Sherman calendar is a one of a kind and I'm sure going to miss it this coming year. Harbour Lights has not made many blunders, but I believe in not having a Mark Sherman calendar, especially for the year 2000 is one of them. I hope it will reappear for 2001.

"TheLightkeeper"

I agree with Wheland . I think alternating years between photos and Mark Sherman prints is one way to go. Another way to make the Sherman prints popular would be to dedicate a series of Sherman prints to the gone but not forgoten lights. If HL produced LE lights of the current and dedicated the Sherman prints to gone but not forgoten then both areas would be covered in an effective way not only for the collector but also for HL from a business standpoint . The same could be done with the Anchor Bay series .
And having a print of a gone but not forgoten should not stop HL from a LE of that forgoten light in the future.

Lonnie

Hi all,

Don't get me wrong..I love Mark Sherman's work.Have got one every year.But there is nothing like looking over your shoulder..well,mine anyway because I have 4 calendars around me..lol..and seeing that beautiful lighthouse where ever it may be,shining down on you.
Bob

The 2000 Harbour Lights Calendar is nice, but it doesn't come close to the Mark Sherman Calendars. The Lightkeeper said it all when he said,

Seattle Sailors

The HL 2000 calendar is a nice calendar and has many pretty lighthouse pictures, but I too would much prefer a Mark Sherman calendar. I REALLY like his artwork.

Does anyone know why we've not seen more of his artwork for HL or Y&A recently?

Hey, Mark Sherman fans!

He just did "Southern Sentinels" which shows Hunting, Hilton Head, Tybee, St. Simons Island, Cockspur, and Morris (Now, of course). It is available on in the 9x12 size.

I do not think HL has any plans of severing their relationship with MS.

Personally, I like the photographs AND the watercolors. The photos in 2000 are definitely a cut above what I see in grocery stores. Mark Sherman is as precise a watercolorist as I've seen.

Keep in mind that the calendar thing is a 2-year contract for 2000 and 2001. Then we'll see how things work out and what happens next.

I'd also like to know how to obtain Mark's latest prints. Who were the sponsoring dealers in Atlanta?

Gary

Every time I think of Mark Sherman prints I think of the large framed print of Rose Island that was given away at the 1998 Reunion. It was so beautiful! I wish I would have been the lucky person that took that home!

Bob

I have to agree with the prevailing thoughts here. I like the Sherman calendar & will miss it. Have generally bought one of Penrods Michigan or Great Lakes photo calendars which are always great, but the HL calendar with the Sherman paintings was really special. Can't be copied. Hope it makes a return soon.

Dave

I'm torn. I like the fact that the new photographic calendar is widely available at places other than Harbour Lights dealers. Any opportunity to bring in new collectors (who should start by clearing out Brant Point and Selkirk) is fine by me.

But dang it, I've been looking for the seahorses in the new calendar with no luck. It's just not the same.

It is encouraging to hear that Mark Sherman just put out some new prints. Has anyone seen them at dealers in other parts of the U.S. ? Can you keep your eyes open for this when you visit your favorite dealers? That would tell us then if we will be able to buy them locally and where. A new post to that effect would reach everyone better than just a reply on this thread. Thanks.