Rachel Smith Maher ~ Artist and Poet

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

Someone once said, "When you're pressed, what's inside comes out".  I see this evidenced in my life.  I have been pressed on every side this summer...beyond what anyone should need to bear...and here's what emerges from my soul:  This painting is a result of showing up at my easel, putting brush to paper without prior conceptualization or thought, and seeing what happens.  What comes out.  The painting is meant to be open to interpretation...every viewer brings to the event their own feelings, imagination, eyes.  I see storm clouds...but they're moving.  I see rough seas becoming calm as they reach the shore.  I see land, dark and distant, but an opening--a cove--for safe approach.  I see reflections...mirrors to the moment. I see light...bright and glowing light...that remains constant despite the storm's attempt to obscure and cover.  That's what is inside me...an ever present knowing that Light is within reach, just beyond the darknes...

Four new tubes of paint + one new brush = a happy day of painting!  New Year's greetings a few days late...but better late than never.  In this sunset painting, I was inspired by the dark tree shadows contrasting against the pink/orange glow of the setting sun on the snow.  Just beautiful!  A new year means a fresh start, new goals, new fun--and many new paintings!  I am pleased to be back in my studio after a holiday break, connected to my passion, and ready to see what 2013 brings!  I am grateful to my Lord who has provided this opportunity, and promise to steward it carefully!  And, as is tradition at Dragonfly Arts, the first painting of the year is available for free to the first person who asks for it!  

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".