Maine Art Hill Blog

6th Annual Choice Art Show – Cliff House and Roses by Janis Sanders

June 19, 2017 by Maine Art

**Come meet Janis at Toroso on Tuesday, June 20th from 5-7. Click here for details.

“This spot at the end of land at Bailey Island, Maine is continually overflowing with beauty and drama. The surf somehow dips and pounds the shore even on, what appear to be, calm ocean water days,” says Janis Sanders. “The thud and thunder resonate through you.”

Sanders stumbled upon this location a few years ago when en route to home from mid-coast Maine in late in June. “The sun was getting low, casting gold like chiffon over every surface,” he remembers. “It was seemingly palpable in the crisp, cool, soft breeze. I wanted to savor it, absorb it.”

Like all artists, Sanders takes liberties in this painting to portray the contrast and juxtaposition of this scene the first moment he took it in. “I have these ‘Aaah!’ moments. They are filled with glee and delight,” says Janis about the inspirations for Cliff House and Roses. “The movement of something so grand, while we are so small. It happens in seconds. Then I have to figure out how to take those few fleeting moments of emotion, observation and interaction and put them to paint.”

Sanders emphasis is on the movement of the wind and tenaciousness of the grasses. He has bold, broad gestures to indicate the sway and the strong stance of the flora. “This place is not timid, nor is my application of paint. The paint can pile up, and does, adding an element of three dimension and power, “ says Sanders. “Theory says I could smooth it out, instinct says to leave it alone, let it speak.”

To see more of our Janis Sanders collection visit Maine Art Shows from June 10 to June 29 to see the 6th Annual Choice Art Show in person. We are located at 10 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. The gallery is open every day from 11AM – 5PM. FMI, please call at 207-967-0049 or email at info@maine-art.com.

To see the complete the complete show on-line

To view our complete collection of Janis Sanders’s Work – Janis Sanders – Artist Page

To read more about Janis Sanders, his process, and his work – Janis Sanders – Artist Insights

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6th Annual Choice Art Show – “Beach Babes” by David Witbeck

June 18, 2017 by Maine Art

David Witbeck’s work has a classic charm and character. He captures coastal life like no other New England artist. This year, however, he decided to use the Choice Art Show to play with another idea.

Witbeck says, “I’ve been painting my signature fishermen for eleven years. They’ve become my identity as an artist, but it’s not all I am.” David goes on to explain, “A couple years ago, I did a series of nudes that were great fun to do and a lot of people seemed to enjoy them. Yet, it takes a brave person to buy one and hang it in the family home,” he pauses, “though there were a couple.”

Time passed, and Witbeck’s pile of figure drawings continued to grow. Recently, he revisited the idea with the addition of bathing suits. This time painting his ‘girls’ in a more stylized manner.

“Before fishermen or BF as I like to say, I’d often create very minimalist paintings. The composition is much more important than the nominal subject matter. Think Milton Avery and Diebenkorn,” Witbeck refers to two influential painters. “My new ‘beach babes’ incorporate the nudes of a couple years ago and early minimal paintings of ten-plus years ago. Conceptually they are not that far removed from the rest of my oeuvre.”

The underlying concern in all Witbeck’s work is composition, shape, and, to a lesser extent, color. It’s more obvious in the Beach Babes.

“I struggled hard not to model the shapes to give the illusion of a third dimension. They’re deliberately flat. Although, I couldn’t stop myself from penciling in the suggestion of facial features,” says Witbeck. “Then I decided to name them with common names, just as I do with the fishermen and lobstermen.”

David did comment that the names may or may not reference real women, in case anyone is wondering. Here at Maine Art, we love celebrating the women of summer in all shapes in sizes.

If you are interested in getting to know all the Beach Babes, visit Maine Art Shows from June 10th to June 29th to see the 6th Annual Choice Art Show in person. We are located at 10 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. The gallery is open every day from 11AM – 5PM. FMI, please call at 207-967-0049 or email at info@maine-art.com.

Click the logo to see the complete show online.

To view our complete collection of Witbeck’s Work – David Witbeck – Artist Page

To read more about David Witbeck, his process, and his work – David Witbeck – Artist Insights

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6th Annual Choice Art Show – “Dining Alfresco” by William B. Hoyt

June 14, 2017 by Maine Art

Choosing a favorite painting is not always an easy task for an artist. This year, however, William B. Hoyt did not find his decision difficult.

“Oh, this painting was an easy choice for me. It’s an illustration of the Maine state motto,” laughs Hoyt as he goes on to explain. “My daughter, Gwen, her husband and their four children come to Maine in the summer. Their house looks out on Gilkey Harbor in Islesboro. It’s a good stopover for the windjammers. They come sailing in at the end of the day and drop anchor, often leaving their mainsails up until everything else is settled.”

Hoyt is a lover of all things Maine, especially the sailboats, and often his imagination and attention are caught by the simple things Maine has to offer.

“The setting sun bathed us in light when it dropped below the eaves of the porch. The water sparkled and danced with it,” says Hoyt. “I have to pinch myself when a scene like this unfolds before me. It’s practically sensory overload.”

Even though Hoyt’s home and studio are in Vermont, his heart is often in Maine. His summer travels bring him in and out of the most remote parts of our coast, both by land and by sea. It is what gets him through those long snows of winter.

“I save the beauty of these moments for later, sometimes months later. In the dead of winter when snow is piling up on my skylights, I have to stop painting to go out and clear it off, shovel the walk, and put more wood in the stove. Then I am able to go back to ‘work’ and paint and enjoy ‘the way life should be’ and that brief perfect moment of summer.”

Dining Alfresco is just one of three pieces from William B. Hoyt in the 6th Annual Choice Art Show. Visit Maine Art Shows from June 10th to June 29th to see the 6th Annual Choice Art Show in person. We are located at 10 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. The gallery is open every day from 11AM – 5PM. FMI, please call at 207-967-0049 or email at info@maine-art.com.

Click the logo below see the complete show online.

To view our complete collection of Hoyt’s Work – William B. Hoyt – Artist Page

To read more about William B. Hoyt, his process, and his work – William B. Hoyt – Artist Insights

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6th Annual Choice Art Show – “Marsh Sky IV” by Margaret Gerding

June 12, 2017 by Maine Art

Come meet Margaret at Toroso from 5-7. Click here for details.

Margaret Gerding lives locally and is able to truly capture the southern Maine area. Margaret’s Artist’s Choice in this year’s Choice Art Show, Marsh Sky IV, was inspired by an early morning jaunt down the road to Goose Rocks Beach.

“The clouds held a multitude of colors, yet somehow remained gentle and soft. It is this sense of calm that I hope is portrayed here,” says Gerding. “After my first full year living in Kennebunkport, I have realized my love for the salt marsh is so dependent on its connection with the sky. Until I experienced it day after day, I didn’t recognize how different and strong the coastal light is. Each day offers something new.”

The locals and the tourists alike recognize these marshes and have fallen in love with them as Gerding has. “I have always been drawn to this area where the meandering waterways change with the tides, the long grass shows its golden colors, and the protective stance of distant trees is forever present.”

When Margaret Gerding begins to look forward to spring each year, she gives herself a “push” to get excited again. Whether it be through color, especially yellow, or exploring different subject matters like strong clouds and flowers.

“I have always loved painting flowers. They give me a burst of color and subject matter I can have in front of me,” says Gerding. “After working the winter months from sketches and pictures this is very welcome. By April I miss painting outside and the flowers remind me of things to come.” Gerding has also traveled extensively, and recalling those memories continues to inspire. “I loved France and the lavender fields, and the sunflower fields of Italy,” she says.

While most people are running to the store for milk and supplies for the March/April snow storms, Gerding is scurrying off to the grocery store in search of flowers in order to keep painting. Her teaching schedule is geared toward the winter months, so she can leave warm weather open for lots of plein air and studying.

Marsh Sky IV is one of three pieces from Margaret Gerding in the 6th Annual Choice Art Show. Visit Maine Art Shows from June 10th to June 29th to see the 6th Annual Choice Art Show in person. We are located at 10 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. The gallery is open every day from 11AM – 5PM. FMI, please call at 207-967-0049 or email at info@maine-art.com.

Click the logo below to see the complete show online.

To view our complete collection of Gerding’s Work – Margaret Gerding – Artist Page

To read more about Margaret Gerding, her process, and her work – Margaret Gerding – Artist Insights

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An Artists’ Reception – The Choice Art Show

June 11, 2017 by Maine Art

We want to take time today to say THANK YOU! to all that were involved in the Kennebunkport Festival this week. It was a tremendous success. The incredible staff at Maine Media and all the volunteers and sponsors.

Maine Art wrapped up our week with the 6th Annual Choice Art Show Artist Reception at Maine Art Shows up on Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. We had an incredible turnout and celebrated in true Kennebunkport style. It was lovely to have so many of our artists on hand to talk about their work and their process. They are truly part of our family, and the Choice Show is a reunion of sorts for us. Be sure to check the blog over the next few weeks for Artist Insights to their choice for the show. It is always fun to see what they have to say.

Lastly, our events would not be the same without the help of our vendors. All three rooms and the outside porch were full to the brim with people enjoying the music from the Mike Walsh Trio out of Portsmouth. We binged on fabulous food from David Hurd, Personal Chef and Catering. And yes, we did raise a glass or two from Down East Wines in Kennebunk. Also check out Dave Dostie’s pics of our event at Kennebunkport Festival – Choice Art Show (coming soon). A huge thank you to all for helping in the success of the show.

If you missed the opening, but want a chance to see the show, it runs until Thursday, June 29. We are open every day from 11AM to 5PM. If you cannot make it to Kennebunk, please check in out on line at www.maine-art.com and contact us if you have any further questions. 207-967-0049 or info@maine-art.com.

To read more about each artist click their name: Jennifer Clement, Jeffrey T. Fitzgerald, Margaret Gerding, Ellen Welch Granter, Liz Hoag, William B. Hoyt, Holly Ready, Janis H. Sanders, Jill Valliere, Susan Wahlrab, Abbie Williams, and David Witbeck.

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The 6th Annual Choice Art Show Opens June 10th

June 8, 2017 by Maine Art

On Saturday, June 10th, Maine Art Shows starts their summer season and, continuing with tradition, opens with The Annual Choice Art Show. This is the sixth year for the Choice Art Show and, as always, the art stays true to the charm and appeal of the area. Twelve artists have submitted works celebrating every aspect of Maine life. This state is incredibly diverse, and all of its beauty is well represented.

The People’s Choice, the Editor’s Choice, and the Artist’s Choice make up the three works on display from each of the participating artists. The People’s Choice works are the first twelve pieces curated for the show. Thank you to all of our voters this year! The voting results were made public this week, and we were very impressed with this year’s choices. The other two will remain a secret until this Saturday, when the show opens at 11 a.m.

Amy Lewia, Maine Art’s Gallery Director says, “We keep the Editor’s Choice and the Artist’s Choice a secret until the show opens. This year’s artists’ submissions were incredible. Not only was it a difficult choice for the voters, the artists themselves struggled with deciding on a favorite.”

Rebecca Falzano, Editor-In-Chief at Maine Home+Design and Maine Magazine, and the woman behind our Editor’s Choice, also took on this challenge. She chose the second twelve of the thirty-six pieces in the show, one from each artist. This is her first year participating in the decision making process for the Choice Show. The two magazines are publications of Maine Media Collective, the producer and promoter of the Kennebunkport Festival.

John Spain, owner of Maine Art says, “We love having one of the editors from Maine Media help curate this show. They have been involved in the Editor’s Choice since the beginning,” says Spain. “Keeping tradition is important. The Choice Art Show is something our clients look forward to each year. They are invested in it. This event truly has a wonderful sense of community.”

The 6th Annual Choice Art Show opens on Saturday, June 10th at 11 AM. Maine Art Shows is located at 10 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. The opening reception for the show is that same evening from 5 to 7 PM, and is part of the Kennebunkport Festival. Many of the artists attend the reception and will be available to discuss their work. This is our only ticketed event of the summer, and tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at www.kennebunkportfestival.com. For more information about tickets and the show, visit www.maine-art.com/choice or call Maine Art at 207-967-0049.

The show will be available online on Saturday, June 10.

Proceeds of tickets sales to benefit Full Plates Full Potential.

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The Art of Giving Back

June 5, 2017 by Maine Art

Here at Maine Art Paintings and Sculpture, we are so honored to be a Founding Sponsor for the 2017 Kennebunkport Festival. This is a festival that not only celebrates where we are from, but gives back to a charity that serves the best part of our state; our children.

“For six days each year we celebrate the excellence of Maine’s chefs, artists, musicians, wine purveyors, and beer makers while surrounded by the beautiful scenery, people, and enduring charm of Kennebunkport,” state the producers of the festival, the staffs of Maine magazine, Old Port magazine and Maine Home+Design magazine.

Yet the best part of the festival is what it gives back. Full Plates Full Potential (FPFP) is a non-profit, charitable partner in the festival. Their primary goal is to end child hunger in Maine.

Founder John Woods says, “We want to thank and recognize everyone involved in this year’s Kennebunkport Festival. As the charitable partner of the event, we give our pledge to use 100% of funds from the festival to support and implement programs that connect kids in Maine with great meals all year long.”

John Spain, owner of Maine Art, has been involved in the festival since its conception. It has changed and grown over the years, but each year he is still overwhelmed with the amount of time, money and talent donated by Maine businesses and individuals to make this week such a success.

“It was easy to pledge to be a Founding Sponsor, and we are thrilled to know all of our ticket sales for our Art of Dining events and a portion from the 6th Annual Choice Art Show go back to FPFP,” says Spain. “What we are most proud of, however, are our artists. Each year, several are generous enough to share their time and talent during this busy season by volunteering to be a guest artist at an Art of Dining dinner.”

This year we are happy to have Craig Mooney, Charles Bluett, Ellen Granter and Margaret Gerding all participating in dinners on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, David Witbeck, Liz Hoag and Philip Frey will be visiting here in Kennebunk for dinners of their own. This is a huge thank you to them, their generous hosts and the fabulous chefs for helping with such a wonderful event and a exceptional cause.

Although every dinner is now a sold out event, there are still tickets for a variety of other weekend events. Please check out the festival website for more information: Kennebunkport Festival Events

To learn more about Full Plates, Full Potential and to become involved with their cause click here: Full Plates Full Potential

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Attention Fathers and Children – It’s Mother’s Day

May 11, 2017 by Maine Art

This weekend is all about the mothers.

They have earned a weekend of pampering and love. They have earned a bit of rest from the crazy. They have earned anything they darn well please. If you are at a loss as to how to make this happen for the mommas in your world, look no further than a visit to the Kennebunks.

Rumor is the sun may just peek out over the course of the weekend, but even if it is raining, there is still much to do. The majority of the restaurants, hotels and resorts are open for the summer season and are offering interesting and intriguing specials for this holiday weekend. If you are looking to celebrate, a place is easy to find. Our specialty shops are all spiffed up and waiting for visitors, as well. We are proud of the variety of stores that line Rt 35, Western Ave, Dock Square and Ocean Ave. If you are looking for a little peace and quiet, however, there is nothing better than a blanket on the beach, a picnic and a good book. Parking passes for the Kennebunk Beaches aren’t necessary until June 15th.

Beach Day - Craig Mooney

No matter if you are coming for the entire weekend or just driving in for a day trip, there is something for everyone. Spas and shopping or hikes and bikes, it is easy to make a woman happy here on the coast of Maine. Of course, we always recommend a visit to Maine Art, but we promise to make it fun.

A wander through our gallery is always a treat. We have a great deal of new work from our artists. They were incredibly busy over the winter. We also have a new artist, Charles Bluett, whose work is fabulous. If you are looking for art or perhaps a Wind Sculpture guaranteed to make any mother smile, we are happy to help you find just the right piece.

You can find us at 14 Western Ave in Kennebunk. We will be open all weekend from 10-5. Many of our staff live locally and are happy to help with recommendations for things to do. Since Sunday is Mother’s Day, we have given many of our mommas the day off, however, we happily put owner, John Spain, to work for the weekend. He has been in town for over twenty-five years, so you will be well taken care of.

A few other websites you may find helpful:

https://www.facebook.com/kennebunkport/

http://kennebunkportmainelodging.com – operated by locals who know it all!

The Chamber of Commerce

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Choice Art Show, 2017 – Let the Voting Begin

April 27, 2017 by Maine Art

For the last five years Maine Art Painting and Sculpture has opened their summer season with the Choice Art Show. This year is no different. The opening reception for the 6th Annual Choice Art Show will be on Saturday, June 10th at Maine Art Shows, and will help to culminate the Kennebunkport Festival week. However, we all know the Choice Art Show really begins May 1st.

For those of you new to Choice, and a recap for the veterans, we begin with seventy-two original works from twelve artists; six pieces each. It is then narrowed down to three pieces from each artist. These three are carefully “chosen” to be in the show. This is where it gets fun. One piece, the artist chooses. One, Rebecca Falzano, Editor-In-Chief at Maine Magazine and Maine Home+Design, chooses. And then there are the third and final piece for each artist. This choice is all up to you. By casting your vote for your favorite piece by each artist, you decide the last 12 paintings that will be featured. Each and every artist represented in the show is one of the very best in the area. You can trust that no matter which piece you choose, many others will be in complete agreement. All you need to do is click the link and let us know which one you like best BEGINNING MAY 1ST.

Upon clicking, you will be directed to the 6th Annual Choice Art Show page. Here you begin voting. Each screen shows the six paintings each artist has submitted. All you have to do is tell us which one you love most by clicking it and then clicking, “Vote.” Once you decide, the site will show you what other voters liked and then move you forward to the next artist. You have until Sunday, June 4th to vote.

Watch for our Facebook, website and email updates on Monday, June 5th for the announcement of the “People’s Choice” winners.

On Saturday, June 10th, the 6th Annual Choice Art Show opens at Maine Art Shows at 10 Chase Hill in Kennebunk. As of this moment, no one knows exactly what the show will look like. Will your favorite make it to the walls of the gallery? Come in and find out. The show is open until June 29th. Remember – if you can’t find the piece you fell in love with, visit the Artist’s Page on our website or the main gallery at 14 Western Ave. All the works are far too beautiful not to showcase somewhere at Maine Art, so they will be on display at one of our two locations once the show opens.

The opening reception on June 10th is a Kennebunkport Festival event and is a ticketed reception. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. We welcome you to join us from 5-7 p.m. for music and food and the opportunity to meet the artists who created the work you voted on.

We look forward to seeing you soon and happy voting!

**If you cannot make it to Kennebunk to see the show in person, the full catalog will be available for online viewing. Join our mailing list to receive an email on the day it goes live.

The Artists: Jennifer Clement, Jeffrey T. Fitzgerald, Margaret Gerding, Ellen Welch Granter, Liz Hoag, William B. Hoyt, Holly Ready, Janis H. Sanders, Jill Valliere, Susan Wahlrab, Abbie Williams, and David Witbeck.

To read more about each artist, click their name above. To see other art work from each artist, click here.

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Lyman Whitaker and Whitaker Studio – 10 Years with Maine Art

April 20, 2017 by Maine Art

It has been ten years since John Spain, owner of Maine Art, first saw Lyman Whitaker’s copper Wind Sculptures. It has been ten years since conversation about representing them started with Stacy Christensen, Whitaker’s wife and business partner. It has been ten years since the amazing kinetic sculpture garden began greeting all who visit the Kennebunks. It has been ten years, and it is time to celebrate!

Off and on, over the last few months, Maine Art has been lucky enough to spend some time with the masterminds behind Whitaker Studio. Between dinners with Lyman and Stacy, off-roading and tenting with John Whitaker and his lovely wife, Janet, and even some crazy slot canyon scrambling with the fabulous Jen Shepherd, the General Manger of the studio, plans started to form. It was inevitable that some crazy scheming and concocting would happen during this time spent together. The results were better than we ever expected!

As you know, on July 22nd, Maine Art Paintings and Sculpture will begin twenty days of celebrating twenty years – with our 20th Anniversary Show. The three-week span will be full of amazing art, gallery events and artist visits. Thanks to some fantastic fancy talk from one John Spain, one of those artists will be Lyman Whitaker. We are lucky to have him visiting for a few days and plan to schedule a variety of ways for you to interact and meet with this talented man. To culminate his visit, Maine Art Paintings and Sculpture, at 14 Western Ave, will host a Whitaker 10th Anniversary Party in and around the sculptures which have made him famous. Be sure to stay in touch for all the details.

Lyman’s visit is just one of many exciting and fun events we have planned for the 20th Anniversary Show. The best way to stay abreast of our summer events is to add your email to our mailing list, if you haven’t already. Our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will also have continuously updated information.

As for now, and throughout the spring season, the gallery will be open from 10am – 5pm every day. Please stop by and visit. If we can help in any way, never hesitate to call 207-967-2803 or email at info@maine-art.com.

Follow this link to see all of Lyman Whitaker’s Wind Sculptures – kennebunkportwindsculptures.com

Follow this link to read more about Whitaker Studio – Whitaker Studio Insights and Stories

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Blog

6th Annual Choice Art Show – Cliff House and Roses by Janis Sanders

6th Annual Choice Art Show – “Beach Babes” by David Witbeck

Click the logo to see the complete show online.

6th Annual Choice Art Show – “Dining Alfresco” by William B. Hoyt

6th Annual Choice Art Show – “Marsh Sky IV” by Margaret Gerding

An Artists’ Reception – The Choice Art Show

The 6th Annual Choice Art Show Opens June 10th

The Art of Giving Back

Attention Fathers and Children – It’s Mother’s Day

Choice Art Show, 2017 – Let the Voting Begin

Lyman Whitaker and Whitaker Studio – 10 Years with Maine Art

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Click the logo to see the complete show online.

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