Local artist bringing the Charter Oak back to life for Connecticut's 375th anniversary

New London - Mark Patnode, the artist who is painting an image of the Charter Oak for the state's 375th anniversary celebration this year, has a bit more work to do.

As he was showing the work-in-progress to Gov. M. Jodi Rell Friday in his Washington Street studio, Patnode was asked where the hole in the trunk was - where the state's charter was hidden from the British.

"Ahhh,'' said Patnode.

"It's in the back,'' said Rell.

Patnode, a fellow of the Urban Artists Initiative, volunteered to donate the finished painting to the state to help celebrate the anniversary. It is expected to be finished by April 29.

A. Vincent Scarano, a freelance commercial photographer in New London, has volunteered to photograph the finished painting. The state will use the image on commemorative items for the celebration.

"When you're the 87th governor for a state that is celebrating its 375th year, it's a marvel,'' said Rell, standing before the canvas of dark yellows and purples. "Everything 375th will have this Charter Oak on it."

On a swing through southeastern Connecticut that included a visit to the Fairview Reservoir in Norwich, Rell stopped by the studio at 73 Washington St. that Patnode shares with five other artists.

Because the tree no longer exists, Patnode is relying on a sketch of the tree by American master Albert Bierstadt and on a turn-of-the-19th-century postcard of the oak.

"I want there to be this emanation from the earth,'' Patnode said, explaining the bursts of sepia and ochre on the canvas. "I'm going for high drama and connectivity.''

Patnode's daughter, Rebekah Chamberlain, said her father is pushing himself with the painting, veering from his usual techniques and color palette.

"I commend his bravery for doing it,'' she said. "I think it's a wonderful way to represent the state.''

The governor kicked off a yearlong celebration Feb. 17 at the state library. Historians say 1635 was a critical year in Connecticut because it marked the settlement of three towns along the Connecticut River: Windsor, Wethersfield and Hartford.

Services and items related to the 375th anniversary celebration are donated or purchased with donated funds.

The state has set up a Web site at www.CT375, but most of the Web links are still under construction.

k.edgecomb@theday.com