David Witbeck initially studied graphic arts at Pratt Institute in the mid ’60s, but with the social turmoil of those times and what he considered the inanity of the 1960’s NY art scene, he decided that photography was a more relevant pursuit. His first photographs were of workers at the now long gone Fulton Fish Market. He moved to Rochester, NY and briefly studied photojournalism at RIT and subsequently worked as a photographer’s assistant and photographer. Eventually the desire for financial security trumped the interest in photography and he became a Teamster driving tractor-trailers for six years.He moved to Rochester, NY and briefly studied photojournalism at RIT and subsequently worked as a photographer’s assistant and photographer. Eventually the desire for financial security trumped the interest in photography and he became a Teamster driving tractor-trailers for six years.In 1980, Witbeck was accepted at Rhode Island School of Design where he earned a BFA in photography in 1982. For the next 25 years he had a successful career as a freelance photographer doing mostly editorial and corporate collateral work. Eventually commercial photography became less enjoyable and he rediscovered his original love of painting. Since 2007 he has been painting full time in his studio in Pawtucket, RI.His current work springs from his lifelong love of the sea and fascination with commercial fishing. He’s best known for his iconic and irreverent “fishermen” paintings.  His work is exhibited in several galleries along the New England coast.