Camden Falls Gallery will open the show “Introductions” on July 20 for the Camden Art Walk, featuring work by three artists who are new to the gallery.
Work by Kathleen Denis, who lives on the East Coast of Florida and has a wonderful style in her plein-air painting, will be featured in the show. Her approach to light and use of bright tropical colors draws viewers to her work. She recently spent a week painting on Monhegan Island.
“Intrigued by the way sun-drenched light affects the colors of an object, I constantly look for ways to incorporate this aspect into my paintings. Starting my process begins with studies that capture the light, followed by an underpainting which also achieves this. I proceed by transforming realism into creativity in a contemporary-impressionistic style. Having grown up in South Florida, island life has greatly influenced my paintings, with brightly painted buildings, colorful landscapes and turquoise waters. I’m thrilled to be represented by Camden Falls Gallery where I have the opportunity to present my use of colorful tropical light into the more neutral landscapes of Maine. Whether the subject matter is a timeworn cottage, a coastal scene or a welcoming garden, depicting joy through my paintings is of great importance, as I long to invite the viewer in to imagine being there.” — Kathleen Denis
Ann Larsen’s work has an impressionistic style and strong brush work that captures the moods of coastal life. She hails from upper New York State and will be teaching a workshop (Simplifying the Maine Landscape) in Mid-coast Maine.
“The first time I visited Maine was to spend a week on Mounr Desert Island. I could have spent a month painting the magnificence of Acadia NP, the harbors and especially Schoodic Point. Since then, I have painted from Oqunquit to Lubec and on Monhegan Island. Maine is a very special place with an incredible artistic legacy. I paint all over the U.S. but am always drawn back to Maine. I feel fortunate to be represented by Camden Falls Gallery. Camden is so iconic, with so much maritime history, it seems like a perfect fit.” — Ann Larsen
The evocative, more realistic compositions of Christine Coombs carry a strong sense of light and joy. Coombs spent 30 years living and painting on the island of Islesboro. She has recently moved to New Hampshire but maintains her deep love for the island and her corner of Mid-coast Maine. Her work captures the tone and peacefulness of island life.
“Having been a part time and fun time resident of Islesboro for nearly 30 years, Penobscot Bay has been my most beloved subject for painting. I am always inspired by its beauty in its ever-changing light, weather patterns and seasons. From the peaceful stillness of the Bay in the early morning to the bright starry nights shining over lapping surf on the shoreline, the scenes for beautiful paintings are without end. Having sold my work through galleries and the historical Society on Islesboro, I am thrilled to now have representation with the beautiful Camden Falls Gallery on the mainland. What initially drew me to this gallery was the consistently high quality of art that was being shown. I am very honored to now be among the talented artists at Camden Falls.” — Christine Coombs
Camden Falls Gallery is at 5 Public Landing in Camden. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call 207-470-7027, email [email protected], or go to www.camdenfallsgallery.com for more information.
