Slowing down to savor the beauty of Maine

With over 4,600 islands on the coast of Maine and 3,478 miles of coastline, there is so much natural beauty to explore. I find myself drawn to the earthy yet vibrant colors, the quiet whisper to come play, wanting to capture all that Maine is. I wonder, “how do I quantify or name or explain a breathtaking view?” I see the changing colors in the sky, the reflection on the water that changes with each shift in wind or current, and the spaciousness of it all. I hear harmony. There are parts, pieces, movement, and color in the Maine landscape, as well as a wholeness that pulls me to capture it in paint.

The slow down of the Global Pandemic sharpened my senses and brought me even more in tune with the natural world around me.  But even more, it was my brother’s untimely passing at age 29 in 2017 that stopped me in my tracks and slowly I pivoted to where I am today, showing up intentionally in this world. I've found the ocean and painting as an incredibly therapeutic way to move through the stages of grief. Those cotton candy skies over Casco Bay in the evening center me, ground me, give me hope that there is more to this world than we know. The coast of Maine brings peace - true peace - and through my art I share that contentment with others.

Being a human first, artist second, has taught me to take a little extra time to see the beauty that surrounds me. I am reminded that this natural beauty is here for us to enjoy all year round — we just need to slow down to take it in. My background in art began as a child.  My parents loved art; they were big collectors and I grew up going to art shows, museums and galleries.  They were also active gardeners, hikers and sailors.  We were always outdoors.  Luckily, I inherited these interests along with my children and grandchildren.  Following college, I spent many years in public relations and, later, event and activity planning at long-term care facilities where I worked closely with the elderly.

A brief statement about why my pieces relate to LOVE:

Maine’s landscape offers unconditional love.  A love that is quiet and simple.
At times, usually at daybreak and golden hour in the evening, she can cloak
you with a gentle love that is restorative in nature, sharing a feeling of balance
and peace when you allow yourself to be part of her. The beauty found standing
on these pine-lined shores, breathing in that sea salty air and smelling the
earthy tones grounding beneath you is what I aim to capture in my paintings.
My genuine hope is that my art will bring you the same grounding and presence
that I’ve felt while making it.

It will always be true that walking your shores, where the earth meets the sea,
where the sun glistens on the deep blue, where the aroma of salt and pine mix…
it will always be true… that walking these shores,... peace is restored here. 
And where there is peace, there is love. Unconditional love.

Website:  www.AKNstudioart.com   
Instagram:  @AKNstudioart
Email:  info@aknstudioart.com