Craig Mooney on Being Ambiguous

Our long-time clients and visitors have come to love and recognize the works of Craig Mooney. No one captures the color and expanse of the Maine sea and sky the same way he does. Viewers love the fact that the places he paints can be anywhere, but he also holds this same standard to his figurative works.

“My landscapes are places only I have been. They are the epitome of New England’s perfection. There is a piece and part of each beach, mountain, or ocean I have visited, and they represent somewhere I found peace,” Mooney says. “But for you, it should be a memory from a place that makes you happy.”

Along this same line, his new figuratives are beginning to push the abstract while still capturing the essence of the person. Works like Beach Morning and Tempus Fugit have a much looser feel to them without losing the connection to place and person.

“The way I do figurative work is the same way I do landscapes. My landscapes are not a specific place, but they are familiar. The trick with figures is to make them ambiguous but with a sense of realism,” says Mooney. “I want you to put yourself or someone you love into the work.”

Whether you are a collector of Craig Mooney’s or you are a first-time viewer, this show will be a delight. We have been representing him for close to ten years, and this is by far some of his best work.

“I am trying to reimagine my image of Maine Art Hill. It has become so much more than the traditional Maine gallery, and this show has so much more than the classic Mooney sky,” says Craig. “It is by far the most all-encompassing display of my work.”

Again, Mooney’s 2023 Solo Show runs through Thursday, August 2. The Gallery at the Grand on Maine Art Hill can be found at 1 Chase Hill Road and is open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily. FMI visit www.maine-art.com or call  207-967-2803.

To read more about Craig’s process and past – Craig Mooney – Artist Insights.

To see Craig’s entire collection – Craig Mooney – Artist Page.

THE VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE SUMMER SOLO SHOW