Art Update: July 26-September 10, 2022

Hey guys, I dropped off this painting to River Arts Gallery in Damariscotta, Maine yesterday.

The theme is “Land and Sea.” Member and non-member artists are invited to display their work. I’ve seen some of the paintings/sculptures submitted. They are fantastic.

It’s a juried show, therefore, I hope to be included in the group displaying their work for a month. The only thing better’n displaying is selling the painting before the end of the show. That would be oh-so-cool, don’t you think?

When: The opening reception, and meeting the artists, is Saturday, July 30, 2022, from 2 to 4 PM.

Where: 36 Elm Street Plaza, Damariscotta.

How Long: Show will be on display from July 26 and continues until September 3, 2022.

Come visit.

If you can’t make it to the reception, that’s okay. Visit to fit your busy schedule.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am to 4 pm

Closed: Sunday & Monday

I have another empty spot on my studio wall. Working on another painting which will soon fill that spot.

Comments welcome below:

Art Update August, 2021

Hey guys, I participated in the July showing at River Arts Maine Gallery in Damariscotta from July 7 to August 7, 2021.

Upon returning to pick up my piece, I found it had SOLD!

Knowing someone appreciated the hours spent creating, painting and fretting as I composed and layered color over color, to produce the effect desired, is a nice feeling.

I now have an empty spot on my studio wall. Presently, I am adding finishing touches to my current painting which will soon fill that spot.

Dear Art Lover,

Thank you for purchasing my work. May you enjoy many happy hours looking into the scene and imagining yourself there, experiencing the “Sunset at Curtis Light.”

Curtis light house at sunrise
Sunset at Curtis Light 12×16″ oil on canvas.

Drama was my goal. I love clouds, especially when they take on a lulminescence…a glow.

That glow reflected on the Curtis Lighthouse, the ocean, and the schooner anchored in the background.

This painting reminds me of my time at sea on a beautiful schooner, enjoying the fresh air, the evening sunsets, the lapping of the water against the ship, the laughter of the other guests and the crew. Yes, the crew and their comittment to make it a safe and wonderful experience. As we sailed up and down midcoast Maine’s waters, we were rewarded with gorgeous sunsets, beautiful light houses and rocky shores. Oh, and don’t forge the gulls. I hear them every day from my studio. They are a delight.

Art Update July 2021

JULY 7 to August 7

Art Opening Reception – July 10

Join me. Bring family and friends…or come by yourself.

Location: 36 Elm Street Plaza, Damariscotta, Maine.

Date: July 10, 2021

Time: 1PM – 4 PM.

Join me at the newly relocated River Arts Gallery in Damariscotta, Maine.I’ll be happy to show you around the gallery.

**“Sunset at Curtis Light”** 12 x 16″ oil on canvas.

I am so excited! Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, this is my first group art exhibition since 2019!

My fascination with marine landscape, light and historical man-made structures and sailing vessels are represented in most of my work.

Living and viewing the ocean each day from my studio in Owls Head evokes a need to record, invent, describe that unpredictably powerful living, moving body of water and all of its interactions with the sky, the land, the people. Leave a comment about my painting.

The exhibition will run from July 7, 2021 to August 7, 2021.

Support our local artists. Buy an original artwork from the River Arts exhibition. Don’t miss the matted and unframed original paintings available for sale in two art bins. Buy for yourself or for another.

See you there.

Can’t make the Opening Reception? Visit any time between July 7 – August 7.

Hours:
Tuesdays – Saturday 10 – 4PM – Sundays 11 – 3 PM

Art Update – May 19, 2021

Another Scam Attempt – Duh…Go Figure.

Checking out my e-mail and my SPAM folder…Guess what I found under a slimy rock…so to speak.

Someone “stormed on some” of my artwork. Clever use of words, sure to capture the unsuspecting artist. After all, with all that paint thinner floating about in the studio, there must be a whole lot of dim wits out there, like me for instance, who will grab any opportunity to sell an artwork to this Gabriela Ruiz from Georgia.

Sound familiar? I think every artist on the planet has recieved a version of this scam.

However, being a feeling person and wanting to help this Gabriela change her ways…I answered.

Re: Pieces for sale

To gabriela riuz <gabrielariuz67@gmail.com> on 2021-05-19 21:27DetailsOn 2021-05-14 06:14, gabriela riuz wrote:

Hi, My name is Gabriela from Georgia, I have been on the lookout for
some artworks lately in regards to i and my husband’s anniversary
which is just around the corner. I stormed on some of your works which
i found quite impressive and intriguing, I must admit your doing quite
an impressive job. You are undoubtedly good at what you do. With that
being said, I would like to purchase some of your works as a surprise
gift to my husband in honor of our upcoming wedding anniversary. It
would be of help if you could send some 7 pictures of your piece of
works, with their respective prices and sizes( bearing it in mind that
my budget is within $500-$5,000 ) which are ready for immediate sale.I
look forward to reading from you.
Best regards,

Hello Gabriela.
Don’t you think it is hard enough for Hispanics to enter the USA?
This attempt at “fraud” “scam” is illegal. Think about it.
Does your mother know what you are doing? Would she be proud to know that “Gabriela from Georgia” has decided to “steal” from hard working artists in the USA and whatever other country you have spread your “fishing net?”
So, if you are really “Gabriela from Georgia” you should be ashamed.
There are lots of jobs out there. Apply for one and purchase artwork legitamately…Don’t be a coward. Be an honest citizen…that is what we want in the USA…Or whatever country you really live in.

I truly hope Gabriela Ruiz from Georgia has a change of heart. I wish her good luck in applying for and getting a job in her home town.

Follow and Comments welcome. Or just say “Hi.”

Art Update – May 2021

Miss my studio.

Haven’t had much time to paint. Corona Virus-19 and all its implications and worries, I’ve stayed away. I focused on writing instead.
However, I did paint a book cover I thought would be suitable for my first attempt at a novel. River Fork-The Bear in the Storm. After several design iterations, I came upon one I liked.

Upon completion, I set the final version aside for later review. When I am close to an artwork, I find it wise to put it away and return to it with fresh eyes. Then I ask myself: Does it work? Is it too literal? Is it too vague? Will the imagery attract attention? Will it attract the target audience’s attention? Et cetera.

When I return to my studio, I’ll be sooo happy.

I can’t show the cover design until I know the manuscript will be published.

To find out more about my writing, click on writing blog link above.

Art Update – “Artist Choice” Sept. 20 – Oct. 19, 2019

Art Opening and Reception

Where: River Arts Gallery, Route 1, Damariscotta, ME
When: Opening reception: September 20, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Public view and purchase: September 20 – October 19, 2019
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 4:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 – 3:00 pm

Contact: 207-563-1507
email: info@riveratsme.org

Works juried by Jane Dahmen, contemproary realist painter.

I’ve been accepted to participate!

I am included in the 101 works selected from 233 submitted for the show.

Out of the three submitted, “Monhegan Bananas” was accepted!

I’m impressed by the quality of works exhibited at the gallery. Come see the amazing work at this show.

Bananas?

Why not. Besides, fruit needs to be healthy so we can be healthy. Maine sunshine and ocean breezes are the best way to promote health.

A still life with landscape for a background.

This is a fun painting to hang in any environment. Kitchen, porch, patio, restaurant. Anywhere.

It’s art. One-of-kind. Be different, hang it somewhere or gift it to that special person who has everything.

Join us.

Have a glass of wine, a few goodies and let’s chat about art—everyone’s art. Most participating artists attend the opening. We artists will be happy to speak with anyone interested in art.

Give a holler, leave a comment and a like.

Share this post.

JMO

Art Update – “Artist Choice” September Exhibition coming up soon.

I’ve submitted three!

: Curtis Light Apples – by: Jo M. Orise

I’ve submitted these three paintings, to be juried. The theme is “Artist Choice”.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have all three accepted? But that’s up to the juror, who is also an artist.

Exhibitions at River Arts usually includes, paintings, drawings, sculptures and a few crafts.

Impressed by the quality of some of these artists’ works, I often consider signing up with several of these talented people to learn how they produce such amazing work.

Bananas and apples?

Why not. Besides, fruit is healthy.

This is actually, a still life painting set in a landscape…the ocean.

These are fun paintings to hang in any environment. Kitchen, porch, patio, restaurant. Anywhere. It’s art. And they are one-of-kind. Be different, hang it somewhere or gift it to that special person who has everything.

beltiestroll72dpic — Beltie Stroll – by: Jo M. Orise

Oreo Cookies?

This third painting is a favorite theme for lots of folks visiting this area. Belted Galloways, also known a Oreo Cookies, Oreos, Belties, are found at Aldermere Farm, Rockport, Maine, where they breed the belties. Being a non-profit organization, they rely on the community for support and in return, adults and school children interested in animal husbandry, gardening and farming participate in caring for the animals and growing their own gardens. An interesting environment in which to grow.

Now, I wait for the e-mail. Subject: acceptance list.

Cross my fingers.

Will you cross yours for me?

Please share and leave a comment.

Art Update – September 6 – 18, 2019

“Ron Frontin Studio Painters Group Show”

Opening Reception: Friday 5:30 to 7:30

Exhibition and sale runs from September 6, until September 18 , 2019

Sorry I did not get to post this earlier. Between doctor visits and family obligations and meetings, time slipped away.

I am part of this show with two pieces hanging alongside an impressive collection of artists’ works. Come visit. Ron’s work is also included in the show.

Where: River Arts Gallery, Route 1, Damariscotta, Maine.

When: Public view and purchase: August 6 – September 18, 2019

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 – 4 pm
Sunday 11:00 – 3:00 pm

Contact: 207-563-1507
email: info@riveratsme.org

PS: I am also in the Damariscotta Wild Things show still up for public view and purchase.

Get to see two art exhibitions at one viewing. The main gallery and the private gallery at the back of the building. Enter the front door for both.

Best,

Art Update: Aug. 16 – Sept. 14, 2019

“Wild Things”

Nature Speaks – Endurance, by: Jo M. Orise – oil on canvas, gallery wrap 18×24″

Art Opening and Reception

Where: River Arts Gallery, Route 1, Damariscotta, ME
When: Opening reception: August 16 – 5 to 7 pm
Public view and purchase: August 16 – September 14, 2019
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 – 4 pm
Sunday 11:00-3:00 pm

Contact: 207-563-1507
email: info@riveratsme.org

Having submitted an artwork to be juried for the “Wild Things” show, I learned 208 paintings were submitted, and 80 were selected by the jurying process.

I was one of the lucky 80! That sounds like the title of a book or at least a movie.

I am so pleased. So many paintings. And a theme show to boot!

I usually avoided “Theme” shows—until this year. I was accepted at the last show and now this show. Two theme shows in a row! How great is that?

Why do I avoid “Themes”? Well…my brain doesn’t work that way. Suggest a theme, my mind is blank.

I literally interpret the message…then it gets complicated in my little head. It feels like I don’t fit in my head. Nor do I fit in the group who is part the whole event.

They get it. I don’t.

My examples draw a lot of blank stares and gaping mouths.

Hmmm.

I go home and have coffee. I stare at my easel. Whiteness. That is what I see. Well, lately it is grayness—I tint my canvas prior to painting. Gray can make paint “zing” or can depress you. Like sitting in a little corner asking “why don’t I think that way?”

But this time, upon examining available paintings hanging in my studio, I forced myself to think beyond the painted subject. It worked—twice in two months!

However, I fear my time as a theme painter is limited.

But then…

Join us.

Have a glass of wine, a few goodies and let’s chat about art—everyone’s art. Most participating artists attend the opening.

We artists will be happy to speak with anyone interested in art.

Give a holler, leave a comment and a like.

Share this post.

JMO

Art Update: Aldermere Art Show Aug 10 – 11, 2019

Where:
Aldermere Farm, 20 Russell Ave, Rockport, ME
When:
Saturday, August 10 from 9 am to 4 pm
Sunday, August 11 from 11 am to 2 pm

Visit this link for information about Aldermere’s upcoming art show this weekend.

https://mcht.org/trips-events/2019-08-11-aldermere-art-show-sale

67211-marshallpoint72dpi — “Marshall Point Light” Oil on Canvas, by: Jo M. Orise

I will be part of the show.

My work consists of 10 framed paintings and 15 prints in an art bin.

Tuesday and Wednesday combined, I spent 13 hours hanging artwork for the artists who dropped off their entries. Each artist is entitled to display the same 15 pieces.

So, if we have 20-50 artists…that is a lot of artwork.

Believe me, I was totally exhausted this year.

Been hanging the show for the last 5 years. The first year I assisted two people in a frenzie to hang all work in two days. I suggested a hanging committee for next year and volunteers. So, I became the “hanging committee” with no volunteers. I did 90% of the work. One artist and her husband asked if I needed help on the last day. YES!

Over the years, at my urging, other artists volunteer when possible. This year, we even had non-artists volunteer. And I am so grateful for all these people who share in the commitment with the love of art in their hearts.

Volunteering not only provides camaraderie, but an understanding of how hard Joelle Alsbury, the coordinator, works at setting up a fine art show for the public and the non-profit Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Become a member or volunteer. Join the fun.

Come to the show. I’d love to meet you.

JMO