SEACOAST ARTIST ASSOCIATION PRESENTS TWO NH ARTIST SOLO SHOWS
“My husband always had a boat at the ocean, so I’ve been in love with painting from his boat. Then, of course, looking at other subjects close to the ocean. Most of my paintings have water in some part of my works of art,” says Bedford artist Kathy Statires about her solo show “Fresh Off the Boat: Painting Along the New England Coast.
“After retiring from teaching art for many years, I had the desire to focus on my own artwork. Since I enjoy the outdoors, painting as a plein air artist made sense. I’ve been painting outdoors for the past six years.
“I paint with oils but also enjoy working with pastels and watercolors. When I’m outside, planning my composition, I usually start with some thumbnail sketches before drawing on my canvas. Then I visualize and paint an underpainting showing the different values. Adding color is my last step, and if I don’t have time to finish it, I’ll take notes on mixing my colors for completion. Most often I finish my paintings in my home studio.”
The paintings in Exeter artist Skip Berrien’s show “Mainely Maine” reflects his summers in Downeast Maine where he and his wife “enjoy the vigor and solitude of the coast as well as the character of the region. The adventure with paint continues as I explore the ‘still lives’ of nature and find expression for the spaces we pass through and inhabit.
“About 20 years ago while out on Monhegan, I contemplated painting as I approached retirement from medicine. I have never regretted that inspiration which has permitted me to experiment with color, composition, texture and modes of expression.
“My approach to painting continually evolves and is often experimental. Here I present essentially two bodies of work…one largely blue and crisp while the other is dominated by the red underpainting using a softer brush. Each evokes a different atmosphere…at least for me and maybe for you as well.”
These February Body of Work shows will run through Sunday, February 26th. There will be a Second Friday artist reception on February 10th, 5-7PM and the public is invited. Refreshments will be served and Valentine’s Day-inspired music provided by SAA artist and singer Cheryl Sager with her husband guitarist Neal Zweig.
The Seacoast Artist Association is located at 130 Water Street in downtown Exeter. The gallery is open Wed-Sat, 10-5 and Sun 1-4, and is staffed by all volunteer artists. The organization provides annual scholarships to local high school seniors continuing with their art studies. See more at seacoastartist.org where you can donate. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
above: “Morning Fog Lifting” oil painting by Kathy Statires