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/

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...

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~~

This time of year, when the skies are mackerel-striped gray, I tend to reflect back on the past 11 months...what I've done, what worked and what didn't, fun times, hard times, and sunny days.  Last June, some artist friends and I travelled to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to paint en plein aire.  When we were about to leave, I snapped this shot of the sun glowing behind the petals of the water lily.  Couldn't help but be inspired to paint it! In 2012 I spent more time painting and teaching watercolor painting than ever...had more shows and exhibits than ever, and was able to reach out to more people than ever with my message of Light and Hope.  Being able to paint is so special to me...not necessarily the talent, but the opportunity:  spending time and creative energy to put brush to paper...to be able to impact the viewer...in my case, I hope to bring peace to the heart of the beholder.  As I put my trust in Christ, my Creator...I hope to continue t...

Glorious weekend to mark the "end of summer" here in Maine.  I spent a bit of time at the beach...walking, reading, and even painting!  It was perfect!  That being said, I am ready for fall.  I love all the seasons, and look forward to casseroles, football, and the trees revealing their true colors.  As a momento to the wonderful summer weather we've had, I'm offering this little unframed 5x7 watercolor free to the first person who asks!  I am grateful to the people who have supported and encouraged my journey as a full-time artist...and grateful to God for His perfect provision each and every day for me to keep on keeping on!   

The temperatures dropped last night. Morning frost is imminent! Our short summer growing season is fading fast. Here is one more tribute to my love of flowers and antique watering cans! The crisp air turns my thoughts to apple-picking, football and casseroles! It transports me into an action mode focused on harvest and preparation for winter winds. I love the autumn season...a time of transition, turning inward to a place of silence like a snow filled sky. I love the multitude of colors shown by the maples and birches and oaks. I hope to put on my jeans and fleece and be out there documenting God's wondrous colors with my paintbrush!   ~~~This original painting is in a private collection in Maine. Giclee prints are available...$60...image size 10"x8".

Summer in Maine...couldn't ask for anything more in life! The early morning sun dances off the hulls of these dories at the dock in Cape Porpoise. Waking with the sunrise in July is always a treat...soaking it all up before winter comes again! ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.  Giclee prints are available...$40...image size 9"x6".