Wednesday, September 19, 2012

10X10 Art Show in Brunswick, Maine

Friday September 28th is the fifth anniversary of the 10X10 Art Exhibit and Sale. My two watercolors are among the 325 works by local artists. This benefit will fund an artist-in-residence program in Brunswick elementary schools. There will be a silent auction too, including works by Bowdoin College professors, Mark Wethli and John Bisbee. Local restaurants have donated hors d'oeuvres. Come join us!


Rising Tide at Lookout Point


Lookout Point in Harpswell is one of my favorite places to paint.  
At low tide this miniature island connects to land, 
but at high tide the trees nearly drown.  
As the tide rises, seaweed floats like long hair.  
A reflection of trees develops on water, undulating in the current.  
My initial sketch was submerged in water and in paint.



Lighthouse Islands at Popham Beach

It was a challenge to fit a long, flat beach into a square.  
I searched for vertical elements offshore.  
wanted to include all three islands 
but settled for the two with lighthouses.  
As I painted, a curious seagull kept me company, 
insinuating himself upon the page.  
I love Popham in September for the clear blue skies 
and the space to find 
solitude.  
As the days get shorter and colder, 
this painting will recall the feel of warm sand 
under bare feet.


10X10 Art Show
Next door venues on Pleasant Street, Brunswick, Maine 04011
Friday September 28, 2012 from 5-8 pm
(non-auction art is $200, including 10-inch-square frame) 

Public Preview:
Thursday 9/27 5-8pm & Friday 9/28 12-3pm
Or click for Online Preview

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Besides public beneficial effect, I believe it's a great opportunity for the local artists to be seen and to present their work, isn't it? I expect a lot of visitors will come to see the show.

Sarah, as you write that it was a challenge to fit a long, flat beach into a square, does that mean that you painted those pictures specifically for this opportunity?

I wonder how those trees in the island can survive the repeated submerging. Remarkable...

Sarah Laurence said...

Petra, it is wonderful to bring all our local artists together. The event is always popular well beyond the elementary school parent crowd. This is my 5th year participating so I knew in advance that my work had to fit in a 10 inch by 10 inch square frame. I only paint squares for this show. That restriction means that all the work goes together like a patchwork quilt, but it's a challenge for landscape artists. I actually painted these two this time last year to capture the best light. Our submissions are due in late August. As for the trees, they are perched high enough on the rocks that they stay dry except during storms. It still amazes me that they can survive in that harsh environment.

tina said...

It's been a while since you posted about this event and I was just wondering about it and your art. You paint so beautifully.

walk2write said...

What a great idea to promote the arts in schools. I'm sure your paintings will be snapped up quickly. I certainly wish I could return to Maine this September and visit the show. I was wondering: Who decides on the artist-in-residence?

Sarah Laurence said...

Tina, thank you!

w2w, the artists in residence are chosen by a non-profit organization in Brunswick, Arts are Elementary. Local artists apply with a resume and one or a team is chosen for every grade of elementary school. More here: http://www.artsareelementary.org/

A Cuban In London said...

I love reading about what you're feeling whilst you're painting as much as the paintings themselves. As a person enamoured of the sea, these two paintings were a very welcome sight. Many thanks and well done to everyone involved in the exhibition.

Greetings from London.

Cat said...

Just beautiful, Sarah. I too like hearing how you feel as you paint. I can imagine myself there observing as you create.

Rose said...

Such lovely paintings, Sarah. You're actually teaching me quite a bit about art, Sarah. Knowing what was going through your mind as you were painting this helps me to look at each one with a different perspective.

I hope the art show is another success!

☆sapphire said...

Every time I walk along a seashore, my soul is full of longing, though for what I'm not sure. The shells, pebbles, seaweeds on the seashore and the light houses in your painting remind me of that longing. I can even smell the sea breeze from your works. I love beachcombing!!
I espcially love the second paiting!! It is really beutiful!
Good luck with the 10X10 Art Exhibit and Sale!!

Donna said...

What a great event. I love your paintings, especially the Rising Tide one, because I'm fascinated by high and low tides and the effect they have on the surrounding scenery.
I hope all goes well!

Cid said...

Gorgeous paintings. We are heading down your way next week but will have come and gone before the 28th. Good luck with the show.

Anonymous said...

beautiful paintings Sarah

prince snow farm said...

Your work is inspiring.

Amanda Summer said...

congratulations on having your beautiful works be included in this exhibition. i wish i could be there to attend in person.

cynthia newberry martin said...

The Rising Tide at Lookout Point is my favorite of these two, especially those trees. I hope both sold Friday night--such a worthy cause and so much local support.

Sarah Laurence said...

Cid, let me know next time you're coming my way. I was out all of this last week painting.

All, thanks for your support! The sale went well although neither of my watercolors sold this year. I'll add them to my works for sale through my website along with the new paintings I've done this fall. First I need a day to photograph the paintings outside. My website is more than a year out of date. I'm hoping to do more painting when the sun comes back and before it gets too cold. After that, I'll switch back to writing.