“A strong, lively and delightfully diverse show,” is how local artist, author and teacher Christopher Volpe described the Seacoast Artist Association’s annual Members Awards show after he juried the winners. “I found it such a pleasure to be introduced to so many artists who are new to me,” he added.
Writing about first prize winner Sydney Thomas’s oil painting, ‘At the Mirror II,’ Chris says, “Though I was initially taken with the unusual, deftly executed composition of the figure and her surroundings, it was the subtle touch of where the figure’s attention is anchored that charmed me the most. For although beauty is the central motif, it’s the beauty of the flowers the figure is admiring, rather than her own image, which adds a gentle lyrical twist and suggests a larger narrative outside the frame.”
Second prize winner, oil and cold wax painting “Purple Mountain” by Lynn Krumholz, “smolders with ominous intensity that activates the whole work,” he wrote. “The near monochrome stark contrasts and subtle gradations of dark and light have a direct, elemental quality that pulls the viewer further and further into contemplation.”
Kevin Talbot’s photograph on canvas ‘Mount Washington Observatory’ which won third prize “jumped off the wall at me because of its stark darkness, unusual color modulations and striking drama. The overall strangeness of the image rather than being off-putting, slowly reveals the unfamiliar character that our world assumes at its extremes.”
Honorable Mention winner oil painting “The Sheep” by Adele Buchwald “reflects the artist’s sensitive and intuitive ability to translate the life of animals into art,” says Chris. “These three amigos have an abundance of character that never becomes excessive, reminding us that the remarkable awaits under the surface of the everyday. Lovely rendering and tonalities in the rustic setting as well.”
All the leaves in the other Honorable Mention winner acrylic and watercolor monoprint, ‘Letting Go’ by Heather Crowley, are hand painted with acrylic directly on the actual leaf and then printed onto the watercolor paper. Chris says, “I felt a strong sense of spirituality in this mandala-like composition. The addition of fiery braids adds intriguing intensity to a subtle vision of the Tree of Life.”
This show benefits the SAA Scholarship Fund. If you are a local artist, become a member here and join us next November!
Author Archives: dpthompsen
November Highlights
Waiting for Spring by Roberta Garrison
Exeter Bandstand by Doris Rice
Our gallery is open:
Wednesday-Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 1pm – 4pm
- The SAA Annual Members Awards Show is back at the Town Hall Gallery – opens Friday November 11th noon-7pm with an awards presentation 4-5pm, then Sat-Sun November 12-13 and 19-20, noon-4pm. See the article on carriagetownenews.com and award winners announcement.
- Body of Work exhibits by Doris Rice and Roberta Garrison are on display.
- Our next reception is Friday November 11th 5-7pm for our Body of Work and Theme Show exhibits.
- November and December theme show Big Gifts Come in Small Packages is on view.
- View the SAA Exhibiting Members’ Holiday Catalog (PDF).
- The Nov/Dec SAA Newsletter is available for reading.
- The 2023 Theme Show Schedule is available.
The Seacoast Artist Association is an all-volunteer non-profit completely supported by donations, exhibition fees, and sales commissions. Consider becoming a member, or support the arts by mailing your donation check to: Seacoast Artist Association, 130 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833 or by using this link to our secure Square payment site.
SAA Scholarship Fund Donation
Body of Work Exhibits in November
Doris Rice’s “Step Into Doris’ Gardens”
and
Roberta Garrison’s “The Botanical Collection”
at the SAA Gallery in Exeter, NH
Doris Rice’s “Step Into Doris’ Gardens”
Garden Gate Mexico by Doris Rice
Gardens Enrich Us: A World Perspective.
Doris Rice’s paintings celebrate the universal love of gardens in communities across the globe, from Mexico to Italy to our own backyard.
As she captures the lush colors, delicate textures, and contrasts of shade and light on paper, she experiences a feeling of peace, tranquility, and completeness.
Doris invites you to immerse yourself in her works.
Exeter Bandstand by Doris Rice
Doris Rice is a watercolor painter from New Hampshire. She received her formal art training at the Moore College of Art, Philadelphia. She prefers to paint in plein air, finding her artistic inspiration from the great outdoors. Collectors would look for impressions of a location.
Roberta Garrison’s “The Botanical Collection”
Autumn Chill by Roberta Garrison
“My life, as well as my art is ever-evolving. When the pandemic first hit and we were in lock-down, I dedicated my time to expanding my gardens. Life in New England and its 4 seasons are so special to me. The cycles in weather and the constant change in what grows around us, inspired me to preserve botanicals. I am continuously collecting and pressing everything including flowers, leaves, and grasses. Even weeds can be interesting when pressed.
My current exhibit is named “The Botanical Collection”. As an Artist, I have loved challenging myself using different mediums. Somehow, while experimenting with my botanicals, my work evolved into focusing on ‘birds”. There is something about how their wings and feathers mimic organic movement. I and am captivated by their natural grace, and stunning poses. Inspired by photographs, I recreate the birds using only pressed botanicals. My subjects, have ranged from Herons, Eagles, Swans, Egrets, Hummingbirds, Ducks, to Exotic Birds, etc.”
Roberta has worked with a range of mediums including encaustics, oils, sculpting and now: Pressed Botanicals.
Waiting for Spring by Roberta Garrison
Growing up in a Diplomatic family for Panama, she lived in Vienna, Paris and traveled extensively. She received her bachelor’s degree from both the University of California and the Design Institute of California.
Roberta attributes her life and education abroad to the diversity in her styles of art.
Soar Like an Eagle by Roberta Garrison
Seven years ago Roberta and her husband, Peter moved here from California. She is also a Certified Interior Designer/Architect.
October Highlights
Citron by Kimberly Cooper
Bedtime by Kevin Talbot
Our gallery is open:
Wednesday-Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 1pm – 4pm
- Body of Work exhibits by Kevin Talbot and Kimberly Cooper are on display.
- Our next reception is Friday October 14th 5-7pm for our Body of Work and Theme Show exhibits.
- October theme show Mystery Kits is on view.
- The Sept/Oct SAA Newsletter is available for reading.
- Call for art: November-December Theme Show: Big Gifts Come in Small Packages – drop off is October 29th (by 3pm).
- The 2022 and 2023 Theme Show Schedules are available.
The Seacoast Artist Association is an all-volunteer non-profit completely supported by donations, exhibition fees, and sales commissions. Consider becoming a member, or support the arts by mailing your donation check to: Seacoast Artist Association, 130 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833 or by using this link to our secure Square payment site.
SAA Scholarship Fund Donation