Damariscotta artist Mark Lazzari is a self-taught painter of landscapes. He will exhibit his work at Savory Maine Dining & Provisions in Damariscotta work from Thursday, Sept. 28 through Nov. 6. The public is invited to a reception to meet the artist on Friday, Oct. 6 from 3-5 p.m. at Savory Maine, which will provide delectable sweet and savory finger foods. Wine and beer will be available.
Lazzari says “Maine is my muse” and he began painting when he moved to Damariscotta in 1989. His major influences are American and European impressionists and he has benefited artistically from his friendship with local artists, especially pastelist Kathleen Galligan. Initially a pastel painter, Lazzari has switched primarily to acrylics in recent years. The two methods use a merging and layering of color that allows the vibrant palette of both mediums to show through.
Light is the force behind Lazzari’s paintings. The subtle interplay of light and shadow brings the scene alive. “I love to paint outdoors,” Lazzari said. He paints where he travels as well – the Pacific Northwest, California, Utah, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
Both acrylics and pastels are tactile mediums. Lazzari enjoys their immediacy, vibrant, color and smooth buttery texture. With pastels he finds that fixing “sets the colors” and binds together multiple layers of color. Pastels and acrylics “allow for the vibrant colors that I see in life,” he said. Lately, Lazzari has begun to explore painting birds and animals.
Lazzari has exhibited his work in solo shows in Damariscotta, Portland, Wiscasset, and Camden, as well as in numerous group exhibitions and juried shows. His work is found in many private and several corporate collections. When Lazzari is not painting, he can be found along the coast with his wife, Diane, and their daughters, Emma and Camille, enjoying live music or driving the Mexicali Blues tie-dye vans.
Savory Maine Dining & Provisions is located at 11 Water St., Damariscotta. For more information, call 563-2111.