Maine artist Kris Engman will exhibit her paintings at Savory Maine Restaurant in Damariscotta from July 30 to Sept. 7. Although Engman’s artistic focus was as a sculptor for twenty-five years, for more than a decade she has painted the Maine landscape and what she defines as "the simplest of still lifes."

Specific design elements are the basis for applying color in the landscape and still life painting — patterns, repetitions, grids and dots. Perspective and overlapping provide obvious avenues to shallow space. Often, a limited palette imitates the seasonally shifting color behaviors in the terrain in and around Waldo County.

She explains that her work is an expression of color and pattern in some sort of balance that feels connected to daily routines and events. The role of the "story" in the paintings has been minimized, asking the viewer to accept less "object." Engman manipulates the color structure until a certain light condition is struck and a sense of the territory is explained.

Because of an interest in sustainable living and a Maine Community Foundation Grant to the Kennebec Valley Arts Association, in 2012 Engman worked in association with Treble Ridge Farm in Whitefield to bring attention to local farm life and its significant role for Maine’s future. Her artistic skills are just as evident in her depiction of animals as they are in her landscapes.

More information is available at www.kerstinengman.com.

The public is invited to a reception for the artist on Friday, Aug. 7 from 3-5 p.m. Savory Maine will provide delectable sweet and savory finger foods, and wine and beer will be available for purchase.

Savory Maine is located at 11 Water Street. For more information, call 207-563-2111, like Savory Maine on Facebook, or visit www.savorymainedining.com.