Rachel Smith Maher ~ Artist and Poet

Beyond thrilled to see my painting "Yellow Buoy" don the cover of the inaugural edition of Frost Meadow Review!  You can subscribe and be surprised by the literary treats inside by following this link: https://frostmeadowreview.com/shop/

A special watercolor painted on a gallery-wrapped canvas over wooden stretcher bars...a fun new way for me to express my love of color and my home state of Maine!  The grounds of this lighthouse in Port Clyde are fabulous to explore...grassy knolls, pebbled beach, rocky shore.  Searching for sea glass is one of my favorite waterfront activities, and while hunting one day I turned to see the lighthouse from an unusual perspective.  Because of its unique and inviting ramp, Marshall Point Light is most often seen from the vantage point of approaching the ramp. This side view allowed the lighthouse keeper's home to reflect the setting western sun, as well as the time-worn rocks that support its foundation.  Perspective is an important skill to master.  How does one learn it?  More importantly, how does one master it? ~~12"x12" watercolor on canvas $300

I went for a walk in my painting, 4 years after painting it.  And something miraculous happened.  Let me tell you the story... The painting, "Megan Jill", is a commissioned piece from 2009.  It was to depict not only the boat, whose namesake would be the recipient of the artwork, but also the quaint Maine village of Friendship Harbor.  Several of the wharves and buildings were owned by the same family as the lobster boat.  I took on the project, using a photograph as a reference, as I had never been to Friendship, Maine.   Fast forward to 2013...while on an trip up the coast of Maine, my friend suggested we visit the coastline north of Damariscotta.  We headed toward Friendship Harbor and I became excited to see it firsthand!  As we drove down the narrow, curved pavement (upper right portion of the painting) and onto the wharf and I felt like I was back in time.  Back to the days when I was sketching and painting the piece.  I recognized...

Ocean's Edge 16"x14" $275 framed   Maine's coastline is as variable as the weather...rocky here, sandy there...smooth sailing one day, storm front moving in the next.  Hearty beach roses are among the flora and fauna that frame the sea, their beauty showing forth despite salty air and challenging conditions for growth.  I love sitting on the rocks watching the waves crash and the seagulls diving for dinner.  Sometimes a lobsterman cruises by, stopping to check his pots next to the colorful buoys.  Capturing the tides on canvas, the ebb and the flow, reminds me to remain flexible and moving, growing and loving every day.                                                                                    Prout's Neck Tides and Roses ~~sold SPLASH!! ...

It's been a while!  Summer morphed right into fall before I could even catch my breath!  I have missed writing and posting here...and look forward to a bit more activity in the coming months!  Life has been incredibly busy, but oh so very good.  I relish the sweet moments time has given me...now tucked away as fond memories of family, fun, and fulfillment of my dreams through painting.  God is good, all the time, and all the time, God is good! ~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine~~

Took a magical trip across the ocean to this little island that houses Maine's second oldest, yet tallest lighthouse.  It was a quinticential summer day on the Maine Coast...breezy, sunny, warm, simply wonderful.  I was inspired by the lens of the lighthouse and tried to imagine how I would capture the multiple dimensions of light coming into the lens, as well as going out.  What is the source of Light in your life?  Does the Light come in as well as go out? ~~13.5"x16.5" $295 framed

Memories of a mountain stream. If you look closely, a flyfisherman is casting his fly off the left bank. There is a rhythmic beauty to casting. The sounds of the rushing waters, the smell of the Maine woods, back and forth, landing the tasty bait just so. With any luck, a brookie will be enticed by the meal at the end of your line. Regardless of the "catching", flyfishing to me is one of the best ways to relax while soaking in Nature at its best. God's magnificent creation. All is good at the edge of a mountain stream. 16"x14" $250 framed

Ever been to an island where you feel big and small all at the same time? Perspective is a fleeting element of life. I see it, and just as fast lose sight of it. I'm always coming back to the Truth of the moment I'm in...gaining a foothold on perspective...hoping to keep it as I take the next step and live the next minute in time. God catches me as my foot slips into fear and worry, and sets me aright once again...giving me perspective...teaching me Truth.   ~~~This original painting is in a private collection in Maine.  Giclee prints are available for $80.  Image size is 10"x14". 

The beach roses have begun to bloom. The warm summer sun has arrived. Time to head to the water's edge and relax. I've been busy painting several new pieces, and hope to post many of them soon. It's been a while since my last post...further evidence of time spent in front of the easel instead of the computer. Suits me fine, as I'm much more comfortable handling a paint brush than a keyboard. Now it's time to enjoy our short summer...time in the hammock, time at the beach, time with special friends. "Down time" is essential in the balance of life...but how often do we find ourselves on the cusp of a moment's rest, only to be pulled back into the "doing" mode that beckons so temptingly. My advice is to fight against the tendency to "get things done" and for a few weeks this summer create a sense of sabbath rest to feed your soul. The hardest part will be for me to take my own advice!! How will you refresh your self this summer? ~~16...

There is a rhythm to life. Ups, downs, ins, outs. Watching the waves of the ocean today brought me to ponder the rhythm: The year…its four seasons. The day…its sunrise and sunset. The tides…highs and lows. The moment…breathing in and breathing out. It is our choice to get in step with the rhythm of life. As the distractions take our attention away, we can always choose to come back to the focus of breathing, of waves, of sunrises and sunsets, and of summer making way for cool fall breezes.