Painting Maine returns on Monday, July 27, for its sixth show at the Damariscotta River Grill.  Whether representational or abstract, the artworks display a common sensitivity to light, color, and design and reflect the artists' deep love of Maine.

The public is invited to the artists’ reception from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, with appetizers by Chef Rick Hirsch.

The exhibit will run through Sunday, Sept. 13, and features the work of Midcoast artists Ellen Hutcheson, Barbara Klein, Sally Loughridge and Bob Vaughan. The show also presents work by the late Julian Sacks, who had been invited to participate last fall but died in May. His widow, Marie Sacks, is graciously allowing his work to be included in the show.

Sacks, late of Whitefield, showed a strong passion for art since early childhood. He had a first career as a child psychiatrist and later, a second as a watercolor artist. He was well known on the Midcoast as a gentle man and talented watercolorist. Since retirement in 1994, he was able to pursue his love of art as he painted throughout Maine and abroad. He especially loved painting en plein air and exhibited regularly at Tidemark Gallery in Waldoboro.

Ellen Hutcheson of Boothbay is an "emotional" painter whose bold work captures the spirit of the place or the feel of the day in coastal Maine. She is intrigued by well defined shapes, color, and line.  Whether serious or whimsical, her vibrant work reflects her joy of the process of painting en plein air and her love for and peaceful connection to the Maine coast.  

Barbara Klein of Bristol paints primarily in oil and watercolor outdoors as weather permits. Focusing on simplicity and well placed color creates a visual energy to her light filled interpretations of Maine's countryside. 

Sally Loughridge of South Bristol has been entranced by Maine's landscape since moving here 16 years ago. "I love how light and shadow play upon the rugged elements, particularly along the coastal islands and peninsulas." 

Bob Vaughan of Bristol paints watercolor landscapes of coastal Maine. He strives to depict light to create a painting with depth that invites the onlooker in. Transparent pigments allow the white paper to enhance the effect of light. Bob enjoys painting en plein air in warmer months, but find it the most challenging as the light is changing continuously.

All artworks are for sale.

Damariscotta River Grill is located at 155 Main Street in Damariscotta. For more information about the show, contact Sally Loughridge at 207-644-1835. For restaurant hours, call 207-563-2992.