Dave Turbide     

Capturing the Dunes: An Everchanging Vista

“I love to walk on the beach early in the morning and late in the afternoon when erosion control fences (we used to call them snow fences), dunes and plant life create an ever-changing vista and unique visual images to photograph and later paint.

“I’ve painted enough sand dunes and erosion control fences to run out of clever names, so now I merely number them. I have long been intrigued by the movement of sand along the beach over time as wind and waves conspire to create infinitely varied patterns and configurations. The fences contribute to that evolution by interrupting the smooth wind currents creating more swirls and hills (dunes). Then the sea grass takes root, providing more swirls and capturing individual grains into micro-dunes. Finally, in early morning and late afternoon the sun provides the lighting that brings all this motion into view. And it is always changing. One can visit the same spot, day after day and at various times of day, and enjoy natures continually changing artwork.” 

Dave started painting with watercolors when he was about 60 and learned much about painting from Doris Rice workshops here at SAA.   A week-long “intensive” class with Todd Bonita in 2019 added oils to Dave’s repertoire. The transition to acrylics occurred naturally from there.

Linn Stilwell                                  

Naturally Curious:  The Character of Wildlife

When I was photographing wildlife, my goal was to get a really well-composed photo with enough detail that you really felt you were viewing the special attributes of a particular animal or bird.  As I began to paint wildlife, I became much more interested in providing a view into their character, so moved from wanting to record a particular animal or bird to delving into their character on another level. See them toss their heads, preen feathers, curl their furry tails right around and over a cold nose, and you will know that is what life is like for them.

As a painter I have an ability to entice the viewer to look at a painting on another level, to gaze into the eyes of a bird, to detect the shift of feathers, the vapor coming off the back of a sheep in the morning air, to note that an owl stands firm in a storm torn landscape despite being threatened.

These things are important to us as we humans try to do what we can for the environment and for one another despite being threatened by storms. These images were chosen especially for this show to bring out your curiosity, just as mine has been enlivened, and look deeper into the natural world.

Marcia Trahan
Taking the Long View

For as long as I have been painting, landscapes and big skies have drawn me in. I may set out to create a scene with a closer horizon, but inevitably the question of what’s beyond that hill, field, or tree intrigues both me and my paintbrush and off we go to find out.

As a native New Englander and recent transplant to New Hampshire my heart and mind are full of beautiful images and lovely palettes with which to experiment. Many of my paintings begin with a reference photo or sketch of a scene and then morph into something imagined or intuited. My preference is to work in oil as I love the richness, depth of color and versatility I find in this medium.  I’m mostly self-taught, but have taken classes with Amy Brnger, Kathleen Robbins, and Erin Spencer of late. Having such an inspiring arts community on the Seacoast has brightened many a day and helped me meet the challenges of these last several years with a sense of purpose and optimism.

Whether I’m painting in my home studio space or attempting to capture a moment in plein air, for me, the unique characteristics of each brush stroke and mix of color present both challenges and satisfactions in equal measure.

Ellen Kingsbury
Nothing But Blue Skies

I am a life-long hiker, skier and tennis player who loves being outside in all kinds of weather. As I have learned and enjoyed making art, I have especially enjoyed painting and collaging skies, clouds and the light. This show highlights my recent work here I have spent time in Plein Air as well as working with cut paper and collage.

I have been drawing and painting for 15 years and have studied with many teachers over the years. I don’t make any one kind of art. I have loved drawing the figure and have been in figure drawing groups for 10+ years. 
I love working in encaustic and once set up my garage with all the equipment needed to make encaustic paintings.  I have enjoyed collage and have bags of printed papers in boxes with scissors and glue. There are some times when I paint sharp edges with acrylics and other times when I use loose washes of watercolor for an abstract piece. I love printing with Gelli plates and creating funky designs for collage or a get-well card for a friend.
I’m not sure if the journey will end with expertise in representational art or whether I’ll make a big name for myself in abstract expressionism, but I know that along the way I’m having a ball!