“Breathing salty air is where I thrive, and for over 30 years Southport Island has been my home. “- Artist Fran Scannell

Scannell and Boothbay-based artist Wendy Bellows are featured artists for September and October at the Southport Memorial Library.

Scannell is retired from a career with educational and non-profit organizations involving public relations, communications and development. She has traveled extensively, enjoys the outdoors and is curious, enjoys tennis and exploring remote areas of the state. His connection to Maine began by attending an Outward Bound Course for Educators – four weeks of challenges in pulling boats and camping on remote islands.

“I paint with the Midcoast Chapter of the Plein Air Painters of Maine (PAPME) and help with communications and finding destinations for our outings from May to October. Especially memorable were the studio experiences with Philip Frey through River Arts, and more recently with Michael Vermette in the Allagash region. I mainly use oils, but I often take watercolors when I travel. The subjects are mainly landscapes, rocky seascapes, boats and beloved people and pets. I painted “Sheltering” during winter 2020, gazing at seashells and shelters, and experimented with a palette knife on this whimsical work.

“Drawing or painting requires a visual and emotional connection, and really seeing something takes a lot of focus,” said Scannell. “My work evolves slowly, leaving room for changes or a new spark of inspiration. Art is essential to my well-being, whether it’s creating, enjoying, or encouraging others. Playing with paint opened a new path for me with potential for growth, learning and personal fulfillment.

Fran Scannell is a member and exhibitor at River Arts, Damariscotta; and the Boothbay Region Art Foundation. Gallery contributor to various member and jury exhibitions, as well as local libraries and fundraising events such as Lincoln Arts Festival, Tamworth NH Art Festival, Harbor Fest, Burnt Island Lighthouse Paint -out and the Boothbay Region Land Trust auctions.

After retiring from more than 40 years of work in basic marine research at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Wendy Bellows turned her scientific curiosity to the art world; specifically wishing to express beauty and light with the medium of oil painting.

“My inspiration comes from the American Impressionist Henry Hensche (1901-1992) of the Cape School of Art, Provincetown, MA, and his students,” Bellows said. “I have been fortunate to learn from some great artists: Hilda Neily, Rob Longley, Rick Dickinson and Will Kefauver, to begin with, and I hope to continue to learn whenever possible. Painting with the Midcoast Plein Air group is a favorite moment of each year!

Bellows lives on a small farm in Boothbay with her husband Alan, a dog, a cat, two horses and two chickens. And, she practices the arts of fiber (weaving, spinning, dyeing), in her spare time.

Wendy Bellows’ work has been exhibited at the Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF), the Kefauver Gallery, The First Federal Savings & Loan in Boothbay Harbor, and at BRAF’s Art In ME 2019 exhibition.

Artist statement:

My goal as an artist is to show you the beauty that I see; to capture the color and light that stop me in my tracks. Each painting is an experience in this endeavor, as this fabulous light is often fleeting … The photos are stunning, but they often flatten out or completely miss the strokes that caught my eye. The method of seeing light and color taught by Henry Hensche of the Cape School of Art fascinates me and offers insight into the successful interpretation of what I see, but it is truly a lifelong study and a journey. rewarding.

The Maine CDC recommends hiding indoors in Lincoln County. We strongly recommend that everyone in the library wear a mask, but it is mandatory for children and unvaccinated adults.