Bubba's Marina Ink Sketch by Barclay Sheaks (1975)

This is a black ink sketch on paper by the noted Virginia artist Barclay Sheaks, dated 1975. The subject is Bubba’s Marina in Virginia Beach, VA, rendered in a gestural, cross-hatched style typical of mid-century American harbor scenes. The composition features a foreground dock area with barrels, crates, and signage, leading the eye toward a cluster of fishing boat masts and maritime structures in the background. The work exhibits Sheaks' characteristic use of rapid, expressive line work to capture light and texture. The piece is physically rendered on a medium-weight paper which currently shows visible signs of age and poor storage. Notable condition issues include significant rippling (cockling) of the paper, particularly along the left edge, and several creases and indentations throughout the sheet. There is light foxing or staining visible in the margins, and the edges appear slightly worn with some minor fraying. The artist’s signature 'Barclay Sheaks '75' is clearly visible in the upper right quadrant of the image. Small printed text on the right margin likely indicates this may be a limited edition print or a study for a larger work, though it retains the high-contrast aesthetic of an original ink drawing. The tonal range is strictly monochromatic, relying on line density for shading.