Samuel’s Wave – Jill Matthews, Artist Choice

Posted on by Maine Art

Jill Matthews is a new artist here at Maine Art Hill, and this is her first Choice Show with us. Living in Kennebunkport, she takes her inspiration from the places she loves best, the place she calls home.

“I am connected to this wave series more so than any others I have created,” says Matthews.  “Some of my favorite pieces are often those based on the impact a new experience has had on me.”

Samuel’s Wave is a painting of a moment that had such an impact. Matthews is naturally drawn to the coast and has always felt her best when connected to the sea.

“Learning to surf has brought me even closer to a place I thought I already knew.  It is so rare to be lucky enough to experience a well-loved place in a completely different way,” shares Matthews.  “This particular painting brings me back to a day I surfed with my son.  It was a day when I realized the true power of the ocean and how it continues to connect us all.”

Recreating these moments, these memories, on canvas and sharing them is part of the passion and the reason Jill paints.

To read more about Jill Matthews and her work follow this link.

Jill Matthews – Stories and Insights

To see our complete collection of Jill’s work follow this link.

Jill Matthews – Artist Page

To see more from Matthews and the other fourteen artists from the 7th Annual Choice Art Show in-person visit Shows on Maine Art Hill from June 9 to June 28. We are located at 10 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. The gallery is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. FMI, please call at 207-967-0049 or email at info@maine-art.com. As always you can view the entire show and see the virtual tour by clicking here.7th Annual Choice Art Show.

Moonrise at Bass Creek  –  Alex Dunwoodie, Artist Choice

Posted on by Maine Art

When asked about Moonrise at Bass Creek, the first word to come from artist Alex Dunwoodie was “home”.

Moonrise at Bass Creek by Alex Dunwoodie

“This place is comfortingly familiar. It is where I stop when a walk takes me past. I know I will always be rewarded,” shares Dunwoodie.

For her, the beauty this spot brings to each visit is not only a delight but a surprise. “There are always questions. What has grown in with the season? What is the light doing at a particular time of day? Will I see the muskrat or the red-wing blackbirds? A crane? Perhaps a family of them?” Dunwoodie asks knowing the answers to her questions are limitless. “I could paint this one view countless times, and it changes continuously.”

As one of Dunwoodie’s favorite places, this spot holds as much beauty on an overcast day as on a sunny one. “On this particular day, the yellow yarrow flowers were glowing in the evening light, floating above the early summer green. This tree, once just a figure in the landscape, has become a friend. Every time I walk by, I have to stop at this spot, I have to take a deep breath, and then I have to just wait and see.”  For the artist, this place is so familiar and on this particular evening, so peaceful. “It simply makes me happy.”

Alex Dunwoodie has provided Maine Art Hill with six pieces for the 7th Annual Choice Art Show. Each very different from each other. Each equally spectacular.

“I chose these six paintings for the show after spending the winter trying new approaches, taking a break from closely-cropped small still-life and water studies to work on larger surfaces and subjects. The result is partly the consequences of moving to a new workspace. My work was bound to reflect a transition,” Alex explains.  “I wanted to work on a variety of subjects, sizes, application of paint; I was free to try new things.”

Stones at Biddeford Pool by Alex DunwoodieOvercast, Cape Elizabeth by Alex DunwoodieKeepers by Alex Dunwoodie

From weathered buoys hit by bright, late-day sun in Keepers, which is loosely painted, to the quiet and subdued, more tightly rendered, Overcast, Cape Elizabeth, this change is seen and felt. “Stones at Biddeford Pool was painted with numerous application techniques, from stippling to finger painting. Lots of fingerpainting,” laughs Dunwoodie. “The common denominator in all the work remains the same as in the past: quiet contemplation.”

To read more about Alex Dunwoodie and her work follow this link.

Alex Dunwoodie – Stories and Insights

To see our complete collection of Alex Dunwoodie’s work follow this link.

Alex Dunwoodie – Artist Page

To see more from Alex Dunwoodie and the other fourteen artists from the 7th Annual Choice Art Show in-person visit Shows on Maine Art Hill from June 9 to June 28. We are located at 10 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. The gallery is open every day from 10 am – 5 pm. FMI, please call at 207-967-0049 or email at info@maine-art.com. As always you can view the entire show and see the virtual tour by clicking here. 7th Annual Choice Art Show.

Blissful Awakenings – Claire Bigbee, Artist Choice

Posted on by Maine Art

“The painting Blissful Awakenings most expresses my intent to capture something I feel in nature.”

Blissful Awakenings by Claire Bigbee

Claire Bigbee,  a new artist with Maine Art Hill, is enjoying being part of her first Choice Art Show.  A Maine resident, nature has always been a draw for Bigbee, and like all of us that call Maine home, it is about more than just the view.

“It is something behind the view that drives me to return to nature,” claims Bigbee. “The river and marsh have always struck me.” When Bigbee was young and first moved to Maine, she knew if she could paint just ten percent of what she felt when near the marshes, she would be honored. “There is something in the wind, like a warm breath. It moves through the tall marsh grasses, and the birds swoon in flocks not missing a beat. The sky is so vast and pregnant clouds shadow the marsh and river.  It is breathtaking and mysterious, and leave me wordless.” For Bigbee, everything is interconnected and part of one force, a genuine feeling of oneness.

Bigbee feels similar to George Inness, a prominent American landscape painter when he expresses thoughts on the real visible realm and the invisible realm, a material realm, and a spiritual realm. “There is a vibration behind the material world, and we become more human when we touch it,” says Bigbee.  “It is like peering behind the veil of reality to find some deeper truth. I use paint and canvas to try to depict this and capture that presence.”

A painting, for Claire, is an expression of those moments when struck by a view. It is her attempt to keep that white heat moment of excitement.  The middle tones in this painting have a darkness, the colors are muted, but there is a harmonious glowing quality, like a thin veil over everything.

“When I am painting the visible world around me the invisible unexpectedly comes to me. That is my desire, my need, to capture both worlds.”

To read more about Claire Bigbee and her work follow this link.

Claire Bigbee – Stories and Insights

To see our complete collection of Claire Bigbee’s work follow this link.

Claire Bigbee – Artist Page

To see more from Claire Bigbee and the other fourteen artists from the 7th Annual Choice Art Show in-person visit Shows on Maine Art Hill from June 9 to June 28. We are located at 10 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. The gallery is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. FMI, please call at 207-967-0049 or email at info@maine-art.com. As always you can view the entire show and see the virtual tour by clicking here. 7th Annual Choice Art Show.

“The paramount difficulty with the artist is to bring his intellect to submit to the fact that there is such a thing as the indefinable—that which hides itself that we may feel after it . . . But God is always hidden, and beauty depends The paramount difficulty with the artist is to bring his intellect to submit to the fact that there is such a thing as the indefinable—that which hides itself that we may feel after it . . . But God is always hidden, and beauty depends upon the unseen.” George Inness

 

Another Crossing – Craig Mooney, Artist Choice

Posted on by Maine Art

Another Crossing by Craig Mooney

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” T.S. Eliot

Craig Mooney has been a part of Maine Art for over ten years. Over the course of this time, many have fallen in love with his dreamy skies and landscapes that pull us into a world full of memories and wishes.  Yet recently, we have realized some of his best work lies beyond his horizons and in his figurative pieces.

Last year’s theme for his show was “escape”.  Each painting giving the viewer the ability to step outside of daily life, even if for only a minute or two, and escape into the world he created on canvas. This year, Mooney gives us a very similar gift with his Artist Choice, Another Crossing.

“The quote from TS Eliot truly sums up this piece,” says Mooney. “It is a painting about adventure, wanderlust, and longing. Yet there is a sense of openness and nostalgia. It is what I wanted to capture in this work.”

The image itself is a woman, possibly on a ferry crossing a channel. Yet, it is up to the viewer to decide on her destination. Is she leaving it all behind? Or is she coming home?

“The original idea actually came from a photograph given to me by a friend,” tells Mooney. “In the original image, the figure was on a train. I realized, however, whether it be a train or a plane or a boat, it matters not what is on the other side of the window. It is the emotion conveyed through the traveler that is most important.”

To read more about Craig Mooney and his work follow this link.

Craig Mooney – Stories and Insights

To see our complete collection of  Mooney ‘s work follow this link.

Craig Mooney – Artist Page

To see more from Mooney and the other fourteen artists from the 7th Annual Choice Art Show in-person visit Shows on Maine Art Hill from June 9 to June 28. We are located at 10 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. The gallery is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. FMI, please call at 207-967-0049 or email at info@maine-art.com. As always you can view the entire show and see the virtual tour by clicking here.7th Annual Choice Art Show.

Studios on Maine Art Hill – 5 Chase Hill Rd. Kennebunk

Posted on by Maine Art

Studios on Maine Art Hill

5 Chase Hill Road Kennebunk

Open Daily 10AM-5PM

A  collection of seven micro-galleries situated in the heart of the Kennebunk/Kennebunkport shopping area.

The Works 

A new three-dimension art gallery. Representing 10 new local artists and displaying their work year round.  See more by clicking here – The Works.

Pop Up on Maine Art Hill 

A weekly pop-up gallery. Each week the artists and artisans will change. Ranging from jewelry and sculpture to paintings.

Fine Art Prints and Framing

This double gallery is the cornerstone of Studios and will be the new home to not only our frame shop but a new collection of fine art prints from many of our artist you know and love. Hoyt, Witbeck, Gerding, and Granter just to name a few. Read more about our new framer.

Phosart Photography and Fine Art

It is not only a gallery but also the new studio to Donna Kabay.  This space contains both retail sales downstairs and a working studio upstairs.

POP UP at Studios on Maine Art Hill in Kennebunk 2018

Posted on by Maine Art

POP UP

at

Studios on Maine Art Hill

5 Chase Hill Road Kennebunk, ME

OPEN DAILY AT 10 AM

**WINTER HOURS: CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS**

Join us to celebrate the growth of Maine Art in The Kennebunks. The POP UP is one of six new galleries at Studios on Maine Art Hill, our brand new micro gallery space. POP UP features guest artists & artisans on a weekly rotating basis. To learn about each visiting artist or set of artists click their links below.

 Pine Tree Pop Up  5/22 – 6/4

Kathy Ostrander Roberts 6/5 – 6/11

Suzanne Anderson ofYikes Studio, Dylan Moore ofGrind Studio & Valerie McCaffrey of Garden Guardians 6/12 – 6/18

 Peter Brown of Meadowlark Designs and Wendy Newcomb 6/19 – 6 /25

Garry D Harley 6/26 – 7/2

Christopher O’Connor 7/3 – 7/9

Phil Laughlin 7/10 – 7/16

Cynthia Woehrle & Chris Ploof 7/17 – 7/23

Erika Manning 7/24 – 7/30

Julie Houck 7/31 – 8/6

Robin Swennes 8/7 – 8/13

Rachel Altschuler 8/14 – 8/20

Kristine Biegel 8/21 – 8/27

Don Rainville 8/28 – 9/3

Rick Hamilton 9/4 – 9/17

Jeff Fioravanti 9/18 – 9/24

Dog Days with Gloria Najecki 9/27 – 10/8

Pop Up with The Pink Show – Real Men Wear Pink Benefit for American Cancer Society 10/11

Pottery Pop Up 11/9-11/26

Robin Swennes 11/27 – 12/3

L.K. Sleat 12/4 – 12/10

** Inquiring Artists email abby.maineart@gmail.com

 

Thompson and Company Fine Arts

Posted on by Maine Art

Studios on Maine Art Hill is happy to welcome Thompson and Company Fine Arts

5 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. 

Owners of Coastal Art Group, Jill and Harry Thompson, are thrilled to be part of Maine Art Hill.  They have been in the gallery business in town for over twenty-five years and see this new space as an opportunity to do something different. 

This duo has a very artist forward approach to showcasing work. Both are internationally sold artists themselves and understand the special dynamic between artist and art collector.

Set to complement their three current galleries, Northlight Gallery on 33 Ocean Avenue in Kennebunk, True North Gallery at 27 Dock Square, and Thompson and Company, an artisan gallery located in Dock Square as well, this new space will focus more on the true essence of Maine.

“We are featuring Maine based artists at this location,” shares Jill Thompson. “It will be classic coastal work from both visiting and local artists. We are hoping to showcase visiting artists, as well as those who call this area home.”

Award-winning pastel artist Susan Payne will be working at the new location, both in a retail capacity as well as a featured artist. Having an artist in residence allows collectors and visitor a peek inside their world and work and a better understanding and appreciation of what it means to be an artist in the amazing place. 

The Thompson and Company Fine Art Gallery is open daily at 10 am. Visit at Studios on Maine Art Hill at 5 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk.

FMI Visit their website

Thompson and Company Fine Arts

 

THE WORKS on Maine Art Hill in Kennebunk

Posted on by Abby Daggett

5 Chase Hill Road

Kennebunk, Maine

(Photo by Donna Kabay, Phosart Photography)

A new three-dimension art gallery. Representing 11 new local artists and displaying their work year round.  We are open daily at 10 am.  Please wander up Chase Hill and take a peek.

Check out our artists by clicking below

Susan Bennett

Donna D’Aquino

Mark Davis

Lucie and Bernie Hueber

David Jacobson

Kevin Keiser

Richard Remsen

Kathy Ostrander Roberts

Marta Spendowska

Jill Valliere

Joseph Webster

 

 

 

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PHOSART Photography and Fine Art at Studios on Maine Art Hill

Posted on by Maine Art

Donna Kabay of PHOSART Photography has been in the Kennebunks for twenty-four years. Originally drawn here as a landscape architect, Kabay soon fell in love with the texture and color of this coastal area.

“The patterns in the landscape here are just that, patterns. I see them everywhere,” says Kabay. “Through my images, I try to inspire the viewer to have a new experience, even if the image is of something they see every day.”

Kabay is not alone in this new adventure to Maine Art Hill. Friend and fellow artist, Tammy Ricker will be joining her.  Each will have a portion of the retail space on the bottom floor of the big, blue, cottage style space, and they will also share the studio space housed on the second floor. Both artist work in multi mediums.  The variety of work and content is just one of the bonuses of this gallery.

Work from Tammy Ricker Work from Tammy Ricker

“To have the artist in residence is always a perk for our customers,” says Kabay. “We are excited about this new venue and what it will bring to our business.”

Kabay and Ricker are planning to host many themed shows as the summer progresses.  We encourage you to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to receive up-to-date information for all their goings on.

PHOSART Photography + Fine Art will be open for Memorial Day Weekend with a Grand Opening as part of the Maine Art Hill Block Party on Friday, June 8.  The studio will be open every day at 10 am this summer. Please come by and say hello.

Instagram

Donna Kabay

Tammy Ricker

 

Facebook

Donna Kabay

 

Websites

Donna Kabay

Tammy Ricker

 

 

 

Things to Know – Happenings at Maine Art Hill

Posted on by Abby Daggett

There is so much going on at Maine Art Hill and in the Kennebunks in general, we wanted to give you a one-stop site to get in the know! If you have any questions about what is going on with us and our galleries, please do not hesitate to call at 207-967-2803 or email at info@maine-art.com

What You Should Know

Kennebunkport Festival – While Maine Magazine and its affiliates have canceled their involvement with The Kennebunkport Festival, the sponsors, local businesses, artists, and chefs, have come together to be sure it continues.  Know that there will be many fabulous events going on from June 5 to June 10. (Yes the 10th is a Sunday!) We ask that you please bear with us and watch for news and information as it comes available.  We promise to keep you informed and add links you may need to this site as they become available. The new website is  thekennebunkportfestival.com (notice the  **THE** in front of kennebunkportfestival)

Studios on Maine Art Hill – 5 Chase Hill Road – Studios on Maine Art Hill is a  collection of seven micro-galleries situated in the heart of the Kennebunk/Kennebunkport shopping area.

  • The Works is a new three-dimension art gallery. We are representing around 10 local artists and will be displaying their work year round. MORE COMING SOON
  • Pop Up on Maine Art Hill is a weekly pop-up gallery. Each week the artist and artisans will change. Ranging from jewelry and sculpture to paintings. See the schedule and read more by clicking here.
  • Thompson and Company Fine Art Gallery, owners of Northlight Gallery, True North Gallery, Thompson & Company is adding an additional gallery to their collection. Their gallery on Maine Art Hill will feature artists who capture the essence of Maine, many who love coming to paint here in the Kennebunks. Click here to visit their webpage.
  • Fine Art Prints and Framing This double gallery is the cornerstones of Studios and will be the new home to not only our frame shop but a new collection of fine art prints from many of our artist you know and love. Hoyt, Witbeck, Gerding, and Granter just to name a few. Read more about our new framer.
  • PhosArt Photography and Fine Art is not only a gallery but also the new studio to Donna Kabay and Tammy Ricker.  The two local artists will be sharing the space for both retail sales downstairs and a working studio upstairs. Look for more about them soon. Click the artists’ names about to visit their websites and Instagram accounts. More about both of these women and their vision for this space soon.

Maine Art Hill Block Party – This is still our event and it is still part of the Festival week.  Friday, June 8th from 5-7:30 pm. Right here on Chase Hill in Kennebunk. It is a ticketed event with half of all ticket sales going to build and grant the Maine Art Hill Scholarship for the Arts at Kennebunk High School.  Read more…..   BUY TICKETS

7th Annual Choice Art Show opens with a preview at Shows on Maine Art Hill during the Maine Art Hill Block party on Friday, June 8th. The doors open promptly at 10 am on Saturday morning for the official start of the show.  This show runs until Thursday, June 28.

As always The Gallery on 14 Western Ave is open every day at 10 am. However, your next visit you will notice a few changes. By moving fine art prints and framing to Studios, we have renovated just and bit. With that came some great new wall space, and of course some great new artists.

Our website has stayed the same although you can expect a new look coming soon.  So please visit both virtually and in person.  Hope to see you soon. maine-art.com

Happy Summer!