Monkitree cove at twilight
“Cove at Twilight” by Andy Curran.

Andy Curran has a deep appreciation for Maine and its woods and waters, saying, “I love the sparkle of light on water, the flicker of sunlight on leaves, the ethereal quality of a sunset.” For most, the experience of a beautiful sunrise or sunset is fleeting. We relish those moments that are never the same twice. For Curran, he will sketch, photograph and write about what he sees. “My paintings start with these observations.”

His exhibition, “Woodlands to the Sea: Paintings of Maine,” will be on view from July 16 to Aug. 24 at Monkitree, with a reception slated for 5 to 8 p.m. July 26. Artwalk Gardiner will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 16.

In the studio, Curran works from notes and photographs, to create acrylic paintings on canvas and wooden panels. They take days, months and sometimes years to finish.

“I am a slow, thoughtful painter, spending lots of time just looking at and living with my works in progress, feeling my way into the scene, finding the essence of place, to create a quintessential landscape. Often my paintings are of a specific place, though I strive for them to have a universal quality that conjures a sense of place.”

Many will recognize Curran’s work from his line of cards under the name Dog Star Creations.

Curran received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from University of Southern Maine and now paints at home in his Buxton Studio and the Waldo County town of Palermo. In his summer studio, he paints in a geodesic dome. Both rural settings work well with Curran’s connection to the Maine pastural and coastal landscapes and enable him to access many of themes that are the inspiration for and representative of his paintings.

Monkitree is at 263 Water St., Gardiner. Go to www.monkitree.com for additional information.