Chamberlain is one example of Mary Mabrys lush landscape oil paintings now on view at Pemaquid Art Gallery.
Two fine oil painters, Mary Mabry, of Waldoboro, and Will Kefauver, of Damariscotta, are showing their work at Pemaquid Art Gallery this season. Both are skilled at landscapes as well as portraits and figurative subjects. Relatively recent additions to the gallery — Mabry is a guest this year and it is Kefauver’s third season as a member — their work adds to the professional quality of artwork seen at the gallery, located on Pemaquid Loop Road in New Harbor (Bristol).
Kefauver, who has an extensive art background as an illustrator, graphic designer, and art director, has returned to painting and teaching in his home gallery, Kefauver Studio & Gallery in Damariscotta. With many nationwide shows and awards under his belt, he is finding that the Maine landscape satisfies his desire to create a living memory of a beautiful time and space.
“It is the sculpture created by the land, sea, and foliage – brought to life by the changing light – which draws me to the easel,” said Kefauver. “Whether working en plein air or from reference, interpreting what nature presents is both grueling work and joyful play.”
Kefauver categorizes his Maine subjects as lighthouses, Monhegan Island, “along the shore,” and “boats and buoys.” Within these themes are many subjects that reveal his interest in “wherever land and water meet.” Kefauver’s surf paintings are particularly exciting, showing technical expertise as well as emotional content.
Kefauver has shown in many galleries and exhibitions in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont, among other places. In the Midcoast area, his work can be seen at Pemaquid Art Gallery where he is currently the association’s president, and at his studio-gallery on Bristol Road in Damariscotta. The website kefauverstudio.com contains full information on the work and schedule of this busy artist.
Welcome II, an oil painting by Will Kefauver, can be viewed at Pemaquid Art Gallery.
Mabry spent many years in the banking business but has found her true home as a painter in Midcoast Maine. She wisely sought art education from great artists and teachers, including a year at the California Art Institute. Although Mabry considers herself an ongoing student, she credits her intensive work drawing and painting the figure from life with her progress and success.
Mabry is a gardener as well as a painter. “Most of my floral paintings start with a walk through my garden,” she said. “For example, as I walk by an old French hybrid lilac, my senses come alive. And I think as I sink my nose into a flower cluster, ‘What a heavenly fragrance! These petals feel like silk on my cheek! Look at the subtle variations in the color!’ And a concept for a painting is born, translating these sensory feelings into paint so that others may somehow experience them.”
Mabry’s lush landscapes reflect a similar personal experience and emotional response that go beyond her considerable technical skill. She has earned awards for her work, which has been shown in many prestigious national and regional locations. Her website is marymabry.com.
Pemaquid Art Gallery also hosts the work of the following member artists in addition to Kefauver: Barbara Applegate, Debra Arter, Bruce Babb, Julie Babb, Stephen Busch, Midge Coleman, William Curtis, Dianne Dolan, Peggy Farrell, Bill Hallett, Claire Hancock, Kay Hannah, Jean Harris, Hannah Ineson, Steve Jaga, Jan Kilburn, Barbara Klein, Patti Leavitt, Sally Loughridge, Marlene Loznicka, Nancy MacKinnon, Judy Nixon, Paul Sherman, Cindy Spencer, Liliana Thelander, Ernest Thompson, Bob Vaughan, and Bev Walker. Guest artists are Mabry, Sarah Fisher, and Kathleen Horst.
Artists at the gallery all reside within the Lincoln County area. The gallery is situated within Lighthouse Park at Pemaquid Point, Bristol and online at pemaquidartgallery.com. The gallery is open daily through Columbus Day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
