Skip Berrien
Mainely Maine
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.
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.
These particular paintings reflect our summers in Downeast Maine where my wife and I 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.
Kathy Statires
Fresh of 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.
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.
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.
