Rachel Smith Maher ~ Artist and Poet

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...

I am so ready for summer. Can't wait to get out to the water's edge to hear the waves crashing and see the sea gulls soaring. The thermometer is pushing 70 today despite some clouds. The seasons come 'round, 'round again...long winters turn into decadent springs. I read in Newsweek today that our brains are overloaded with information...knowledge that doesn't necessarily help us to make better decisions. What better way to clear one's head than to head out to the ocean (or wherever you find peace). Our minds are sharper and we are more truly ourselves when we take time, the precious time, to just be.  ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

In Northern Maine, where I was raised, Aurora Borealis (aka Northern Lights) was a common sight on many a Winter's night. There was a mystery to the night sky that captured my attention and fueled my child-like wonder. It was only on those darkest nights, far away from the city's lights, far away from Summer's sun, that the purple, yellow and green would dance across the sky. Life always has a parallel to Nature. It is only in those darkest of times--the Dark Night of the Soul--where only True Light can shine. If it weren't so dark, we would not be able to see the light...it would go unnoticed in our busy lives. But thankfully, ironically, there are troubled times that help us enjoy the good times even more...difficulties allow us to see Love shine even brighter. ~~this painting is in a private collection in Maine~~

Welcome to the New Year! 2011! Out with the old, in with the new! I’m beginning something new…on occasion I’m going to offer an original painting to the first person that emails me asking for it! Typically, these will be smaller paintings, done perhaps as a color study for a larger work. “Clear Horizons” above is my first offer. It’s about 3.5 x 5 inches. Just email me your request and it’s yours! Lots of artists create small works called Artist Trading Cards—this is my venture into this world of ATC. I’ll continue as long as I’m having fun with it!

The snow fell deep last night. Luckily it is the fluffy kind, which makes heading out to the barn a bit easier. Snowflake and Daisy will want their oats and daily apple treat. They don't mind the cold, as long as there's fresh hay in their stalls. Love my horses. Love caring for animals. They don't ask for much, and give love so freely. Wonder how Snowflake got her name? She's my favorite. So unique in her markings. Guess that's kinda like the flakes that fell last night. I can see each outline of the few that stick to my mittens. I heard somewhere that every snowflake that has ever fallen, or will ever fall, is unique--there will never be another like it. Mind boggling, considering how many snowflakes fall every winter! Which leads me to wonder, and imagine, how every human is unique and an individual...fearfully and wonderfully made. Am I loving and caring for the humans in my life? Am I appreciative of their special qualities? Could I be more patient, more under...

Can a snowfall be cozy? Sure, if it's Christmas Eve in New England! The flakes come twinkling down all fluffy and frozen. After hauling in the fragrant evergreen, and shaking the snow off our feet, we'll sit down to some steamy hot cocoa. That's about as cozy as it gets! When I was very little, my Dad and I would hike into the woods and select a nice fir tree that we thought would please Mom and look the best in our living room decorated with antique bulbs, homemade clay snowmen and plenty of tinsel. I recalled those moments as I painted this winter scene. Cozy, isn't it? ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

The oak leaves have transitioned from green to yellow to orange in our yard. Afternoons are brisk as the trees reveal their inner beauty before falling to the ground. Their mission in life is complete, until winter’s chill warms again to bring spring back around. I love getting lost in the mystery and constancy of the seasons. There is something profoundly natural, profoundly grounding to that rhythm. Soups and stews and casseroles find their way onto our table. I am grateful for the seasons, for my family and friends, for the food on my table, for trees and for God who created it all.