“The Angelique” by Tad Retz.

Camden Falls Gallery presents “Return to Camden,” a new exhibition featuring the work of Tad Retz. The show opened June 15 and runs through July 14.

Camden Falls Gallery is fortunate to showcase new works of the Midcoast region by this artist.

“Many of the paintings in this new show are the results of Tad’s visit to Camden last September during Windjammer Festival. We were able to get him out in the harbor, up and close to the schooners in action under sail,” says gallery owner Howard Gallagher. “Exhilarated by the experience, Tad told us he had enough images for years of paintings! We for one are fortunate for that.”

Retz resides in upstate New York and joined Camden Falls Gallery six years ago when he was just 20 years old and embarking on his artistic career directly upon graduating from high school. In those six years, his drive and daily focus on his craft has resulted in a precipitous rise in national art circles.

In 2021, Retz was listed as one of the top plein-air painters to collect by Plein Air magazine, and his work continues to evolve with a sophistication well beyond his years. He travels widely and paints alongside artists he admires, and has more recently has begun teaching workshops throughout the U.S.

Retz’s most recent body of work is a result of his desire to experiment with paint manipulation and utilizing different tools. He attempts to capture the timeless atmosphere of old American, European and Dutch Masters of impressionism, of which he devoutly studies when not painting.

“The feeling of being surprised at the end of each painting session is invigorating,” Retz reflects. “Through using new tools, thicker paint and fast-drying mediums, I am discovering new ways to suggest reality in my paintings. Through the act of scraping paint off, applying unmixed paint with palette knives, calligraphic brush marks, dragging tissues through the thick wet paint and so on, I am able to achieve the look that I have been striving for — a look that is timeless and poetic and more in line with who I am as an artist.”

Camden Falls Gallery is located alongside beautiful Camden Harbor on the public landing. It offers a rich diversity of original artwork in contemporary styles, focusing on the natural beauty of midcoast Maine and its nautical heritage. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 207-470-7027 or visit www.camdenfallsgallery.com.