Brunswick artist Constance Rothery cites her move to Maine five years ago as the best one she ever made. A native of Massachusetts, Rothery has moved eleven times, including a stay in Florida and a final move to Brunswick.
Her love of Maine's natural beauty is apparent in "Nature's Fascination," Rothery's collection of watercolor paintings and pastel drawings of landscapes and still lifes now on display in Lancaster Lounge in Moulton Union. Many of the works in the show are inspired by Maine, such as "Ogunquit Sunset" and "Monhegan Cliffs." Her love of a loose style and "freeing color" is apparent in the impressionistic "Sea Smoke" and "Light Meal."
Rothery explains that after raising four children, she gained enough free time to take up oil painting. However, she found the oil paint to be too messy. Her chosen medium, pastels, allows for greater flexibility and variation of pre-mixed colors.
Rothery gained her knowledge of painting and drawing by attending lessons with over 20 teachers in Massachusetts, Florida, and Maine. She believes she is always learning something new and continues to incorporate her knowledge into her work.
Prior to this exhibit, Rothery created a series of pastel portraits of her eight grandchildren. The first portrait in the series, "Erin," won first place in the Duxbury, Mass. Midsummer Annual Art Show. Rothery has also won numerous awards and mentions in juried shows across New England and joined the Casco Bay Art League in 1999. She also donated a watercolor to the PBS Auction in April.
Rothery has since moved away from portraits as subject matter, believing them to be too "fussy." She finds she can express herself better through landscapes and natural scenes. She gained inspiration for the works in "Nature's Fascination" through her travels. Wherever she goes, she always brings a camera to record scenes she later transforms into art.
Rothery's love for art is fueled by a love for life. As she writes in her Artist's Statement, "there is so much joy and beauty in life, that I enjoy putting my appreciation and feelings into paintings that hopefully will be uplifting to others."
"Nature's Fascination" will be on display in Lancaster Lounge until September 30 and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.