Rachel Smith Maher ~ Artist and Poet

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...

Early September morning in Vermont...fishing on a little river up North.  It was one of those magical mornings where the sun hit the edge of the leaves to make them glow and glitter...with the water glistening as it rippled along.  A gift from God just for me.  I painted this scene while sitting on a rock...my foray into Plein Aire painting is producing decent fruit.  In the middle of it all, I was overcome  with pure joy...I felt so happy...like I was resting peacefully right in the palm of His hand.  The safest place for me to be.  Right where I'm supposed to be.   ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine~~Giclee prints available: Image size 10"x8" $60 unmatted/unframed.

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!   

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

My friend discovered this vignette at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens the other day and we sat in the sun painting to our heart's delight.  It was a glorious day after several filled with clouds.  I was inspired by the light reflecting off the dark vase, which stood at least five feet tall on a wall of granite.    I resisted the urge to climb up and look inside.  What would I have found?  When we look inside the dark, do we find any light?  Dan Fogelberg wrote a line in a song, "There's a light in the depths of your darkness".  It's a wonderful song...full of hope despite all that is not right in the world.  My compass point these days is to remember I am God's vessel, reflecting His light in the darkness.  Leaning on His strength day by precious day.     ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

I reaquainted myself with acrylic paints recently and composed this sunflower painting for the fundraiser Wintergreen Arts Center in Presque Isle, Maine, is hosting in a couple weeks. I wanted to capture how the sunflowers I grow keep their "faces" to the light...looking up...seeking the sun...very uplifting. The clear blue sky represents that peacefullness which accompanies a positive attitude. Reminds me to keep on keeping on, chin up, face to the Son.   ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

Can you feel it? Can you hear it? Spring is in the air! The birds certainly have known it for a few weeks, now, as they have been singing their sweet spring songs in celebration! I have been inspired to paint tulips...lots and lots of tulips! Pink tulips, red tulips, peach tulips, tulips in vases, tulips in the garden. What joy it has brought me as the transition from Winter into Spring takes place. The melting snow reveals the promise of the new season--green grass, sprouting crocuses, velvet soft mosses. Winter into Spring has many moods--solemn clouds give way to glorious sunrises, which yield yet again to rain and even snow. Each day has a gift to share with us, even if it's so dark that we can barely perceive it--and sometimes it is so light that the glare makes us miss the details...but the gift is still there. May our hearts be light as we seek and find the gift in every day! The top two paintings are available, framed in blonde wood 13"x13" frames with a whi...