On Cape Cod, the landscape is teeming with breathtaking beauty—winding roads, ever-changing shorelines, and scenes that evoke stories of summer picnics, peaceful sunset strolls along the beach, and leisurely walks through charming town centers. But for artist David Mesite, true beauty often lies in something more unexpected—the everyday. It’s within the small moments—the seemingly ordinary objects—that he uncovers hidden narratives. Mesite’s talent lies in his ability to transform the mundane into something extraordinary, capturing its unique story in a way that resonates deeply with his viewers.

Mesite’s creative process begins with finding the right light. He’s intrigued by stark contrasts found in the interplay between light and shadows. From there, it’s all about storytelling through realism, capturing a subject that has so captivated him into something that also resonates with his audiences. “Developing a scene into a finished work that tells a story is what motivates me,” he says. “I love when people mention how they are drawn into the narratives I create in my paintings. That’s success for me.”

Recently, Mesite has made a shift in his work by incorporating figures, with his grandchildren often serving as his favorite subjects. “They love it too,” he says, smiling. “With all the experiences they have yet to encounter, and all that I’ve seen and done in my own life… I hope that painting them shows they’re being heard.”

“Adding that human element brings out more emotion for me, and hopefully as well for those discovering my work,” he continues. This experimentation opens the door for observers to engage with Mesite’s work on an even more personal level. “The hope is that the viewer draws something from their own memories, thoughts, and emotions when they look at my work—and that imagination brings them joy,” he offers. 

Mesite’s formal art training began at Paier College of Art, in his home state of Connecticut, where he studied under the guidance of mentors like Ken Davies and Dean Keller. During his time at Paier, Mesite made frequent trips to the Cape with fellow students. Cape Cod played a pivotal role in his development, both through the inspiration he found in its captivating scenery and in a fateful meeting with Helen Addison of the Addison Art Gallery in Orleans. Mesite began showing his work at Addison in the ‘90s and has been a favorite among gallery-goers ever since. 

Over the years, Mesite has learned to hone his style. “I render with fewer brushstrokes now, and that’s helped me to achieve a heightened sense of realism,” he explains. Some of his most meaningful works are special to him in the stories that they tell through just how realistic they appear. You can almost see the thoughts that Mesite had while painting. In New Friends, for instance, Mesite captures a classic Cape Cod scene: three young girls sailing their Herreshoff on a breezy day. As he painted, Mesite found himself wondering, “Who is in charge? What are they talking about? What is their connection to one another?” The scene is framed and enhanced by the beauty of the sails and the play of light and shadow on the water, evoking a strong message on the power of observation that Mesite himself pondered as he painted.

In speaking about one of his favorite pieces, It’s not Work, Mesite recollects visiting the boatyard many times. “On my last visit, I commented to the man working yet again on his restoration, ‘still working on it,’” recalls Mesite. “He said back to me, ‘It’s not work if you love what you’re doing.’” It’s a sentiment that could just as easily apply to Mesite himself—capturing the essence of passion and dedication that drives his art.

To see David Mesite’s work visit Addison Art Gallery in Orleans, or at addisonart.com.