Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) is hosting pastel artist Jan Roberson at The First, N.A. bank, now through March.

Roberson lives nestled in the woods on the shores of Quahog Bay in Harpswell. The Bay, and various other water locales in Maine, is the basis for many of her paintings.

Roberson grew up sailing, and this is reflected in her work. Boats of all shapes and sizes are featured under sail and at mooring. Her love for the beauty of the ever-changing woods that surround her also figure prominently in her works.

“As trees shed their leaves, we gain insight into the gracefulness of their structure,” Roberson said. “The bends and twists add a dimension generally hidden behind the mass of green. Of course, our majestic fir and pine offer not only color in winter, but marvelous forms for upholding the fallen snow as it settles on needles and limbs. The dark trees leaning into the crisp blue skies of winter give contrast to the brilliant and sparkling snow.”

Several of Roberson's paintings have been juried into national pastel shows. The artist has also been the recipient of several awards.

Roberson holds a MA Ed in education and taught school for 30 years. She then returned to school as student, earning a BFA in painting at the University of Southern Maine. Roberson has also studied her craft across the country with internationally recognized pastel artists Robert Carsten, Lorenzo Chavez, Richard McKinley and Sean Dye.

Roberson even traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, to study with internationally acclaimed pastelist Serguei Oussik.

Her work may be viewed at www.janroberson.com.

The First, N.A. bank is located at 77 Oak Street in Boothbay Harbor. For more information, and bank hours, call The First at 207-633-5149.