14 Western Ave Kennebunk
ME 04043
Featured Pop-Up Artists
Robin Swennes and Phil Ouellette
AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 13
14 Western Ave, Kennebunk, Maine
Artist Reception Saturday, September 9, from 4–6 PM
Open 10 AM Everyday
This is a local husband and wife duo that can’t be missed. This is their first combination pop-up with Maine Art Hill. Painter Robin Swennes has popped here multiple times and always delights visitors with color and subject that celebrates Maine. This year, her paintings are complimented with the sculpture from her husband.
Robin Swennes
Robin knew at a young age that art, sparkly things, and bright colors were for her, but it took until her 40s to realize that artistic endeavors feed her soul. Without an excellent creative project, she looks for that brain exercise and relishes artistic creation’s satisfaction. Somewhere between dressing up in all of Grandma’s jewelry and doodling with chalk on her neighborhood streets, she progressed to painting. Her employment as a graphic designer for advertising companies taught her the ins and outs of color correcting, image editing, and preparing digital pictures for print or web use. However, her illustration and painting skills are self-taught and are constantly progressing. Her style tips between realism and impressionism, with close-ups or simple compositions, giving just enough detail to reveal her subject and allow color combinations to ‘zing.’
“I squeeze the paint straight from tube to brush, getting the most color possible and minimizing waste. I don’t set up a palette; I mix on the canvas and let my gut tell me the next color. I use no water to spread the paint so the colors maintain intensity. I coveted that big Crayola 64 crayon box with an integrated sharpener as a kid. Somewhere in my psyche, I’m probably trying to make up for never having had it, so the number of paint tubes I have is staggering because I always want another color.”
Phil Ouellette
“Creation is personal. Going public is terrifying. Allowing others to see the “cool” of the creation and desire a piece must be euphoric, unforgettable, but, again, terrifying. I lean towards rust, debris, and the unwanted, and when they all collaborate, the outcome is a piece that stands on its own.”
AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 14
14 Western Ave, Kennebunk, Maine
Artist Reception Saturday, September 9, from 4–6 PM
Open 10 AM Everyday