Art Update: Aug – Sept 2023

I retrieved my artwork at the Lobster Festival on its last day of activities.

Arriving at the display area, I found my two pieces had been moved to the center of the display wall. AND each painting had a ribbon.

I earned the two awards offered for the art jurying contest!

What an honor to receive both.

This year’s awards were dedicated to two women who devoted their art and their time to the Festival for several years.

Nature Speaks : Endurance – Earned the Maine Lobster Festival Betty Kinny Award 2023

The Betty Kinny Award is given to a painting inspired by a coastal scene.

This award is given in memory of the woman who established and directed the Maine Lobster Festival Art Show for 25 years.

Return to Port by Rockland Light Earned the Maine Lobster Festival Alice Knight Award 2023

The Alice Knight Award is given in memory of a woman of the community. She was born during the Great Depression and died at age 88 on Aug. 1, 2022. Her special mark on the Festival was her dedication to the artists, crafters and makers of the Midcoast and beyond.

I am proud that my work is represented with an association with these two impressive women in my neighborhood.

Thank you.

Please leave a comment below.

Art Update: Aug – Sept 2023

Last Wednesday, one of my works was accepted for the upcoming theme show “Water, Earth and Sky.”

The Water, Earth and Sky Art Opening is Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 2 – 5 PM.

Where: River Arts Gallery in Damariscotta, ME.

All artists will attend to greet the public.

Come visit and say “hi.”

Late Arrival
Oil on Canvas
(gallery wrap and framed)12 x 16″

What is the commotion all about?
Have the other gulls been waiting for the late arrival of an inconsiderate seagull? Or is this seagull a favored one they are finally privileged to see? What is the story? Can you relate?

More News:

I have entered two paintings for the Rockland Lobster Festival competition and show. I had done that for two years prior to Covid-19 in 2018 and 2019.

Nature Speaks : Endurance

Oil on Canvas
(gallery wrap)18 x 24″

Return to Port by Rockland Light

Oil on Canvas
(gallery wrap and framed)12 x 16″

Would you like to make my day?

Visit River Arts Gallery in Damariscotta and purchase a painting. Help support the local Maine artists. They deserve recognition for their hard labor at creating art.

AND, please visit the Lobster Festival. Go to the art tent to view all the artists and craftsmen showing and demonstrating their wares. My two paintings are in the show at the back of the tent. When you see them, let me know what you think. Or, if you are interested in purchasing them, contact me: jo@jomorise.com

Take care and be safe.

AND, leave a comment below. I appreciate it when you do.

Art Update: May-June 2023

Hi everyone, I participated in an Art Showing May – June at River Arts Gallery, in Damariscotta.

I displayed this painting – “Gulls are Free.” 8″x8″ oil, framed.

HOWEVER, I didn’t have time to let you know about it!

It was a very nice gathering. The artwork displayed was spectacular as usual.

Hubby came along with me to the opening. He found a couple of paintings and a photograph he particularly enjoyed.

But then, his hips suffered from standing too long. So he sat in the car — so I thought– to rest.

Later, from inside the gallery, I noticed the car empty. Where was hubby? No one knew. How could I lose a husband at an art showing?

Answer: the second hand book shop behind the gallery. Books are his heaven. He found a soft chair in which to sit and read. He was happy. And I was happy he found something to enjoy while I chatted with friends.

Then life happened. That is part of the human race…we have those busy times when there is lots to do, and some of it doesn’t get done.

Better luck next time.

Be back in a little bit to tell you about my next showing.

Art Update: February 2023

Still working on this painting. Schooner ship at sea on the Atlantic off Maine's Coast

Why? Something about it bothered me. I’d think about. I needed to look at it again. I’d sit staring at it. I know where my issues are in painting and try to overcome them. Like writing. After lots of keystrokes, the “Ah. Now I have it working like it should… ” moment arrives. Not so fast, dear writer. Have you left it for a bit, before re-reading it. Your comment should be “Ah. Now let’s give it a break; read it in a couple of weeks to see if it’s “…working like it should.” So, I removed the frame and propped the painting back on the easel… for days. Okay, now what are you going to do? “Pick up your brush and start blocking stuff out.” So I did. It felt both scary and good. I wanted the

painting to be better. For me. The creator. Limiting the palette to few colors, I focused on sky and water. Most of my work comes from sketches and photos captured on site, then I attend to my idea of what story/meaning could the viewer impart to the chosen subject and its surroundings? The titles chosen by me, the creator, act as a catalyst for the viewer, and gives it their interpretation of what and why. I have another empty spot on my studio wall. Working on another painting which will soon fill that spot.