Phoebe Bly: 2012

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Low Planet, oil on canvas, 9" x 7"
Reflectors, oil on canvas, 7" x 9"
Big Dipper, oil on canvas, 10" x 10"
Over the Wall, oil on canvas, 22" x 24"
Burnouts 2, oil on canvas, 20" x 24"
Seedlings, oil on canvas, 20" x 20"
First Day of Summer, oil on canvas, 8" x 10"
Slack Tide, oil on canvas, 40" x 36"
Marley (17 years), oil on canvas, 8" x 8"
Lowering Light, oil on canvas, 40" x 40"
Bean Can, oil on canvas, 10" x 8"
Pine Woods, oil on canvas, 19" x 17"
Bear Woods, oil on canvas, 10" x 8"
Silo, oil on canvas, 10" x 8"
Ghost Corn, oil on canvas, 8" x 16"
Beer Bottle II, oil on canvas, 10" x 8"
Seven Sisters, oil on canvas, 11.5" x 13.5"
Snow in the Fields, oil on canvas, 16" x 29"
Vinegar, oil on canvas, 10" x 8"
Big Can, oil on canvas, 10" x 8"
Stella's Glass, oil on canvas, 10" x 8"
Beer Bottle I, oil on canvas, 10" x 8"
Valentine, oil on canvas, 11" x 14"
Reflectors, oil on canvas, 7" x 9"
13 Below, oil on canvas, 10" x 10"
Late, oil on canvas, 12" x 16"
Blue Christmas, oil on canvas, 16" x 20"
Winter Color Study, oil on canvas, 7" x 9"
Last Day, oil on canvas, 16" x 20"
Night Swimming, oil on canvas, 40" x 36"

          We are happy to present an exhibit of new work by Tenants Harbor artist Phoebe Bly.  The show opens on Friday, August 3rd and runs through August 29th, with a gala reception on opening night.

          Phoebe Bly has shown annually in the Midcoast area for the past seven years, acquiring a devoted and enthusiastic following, and her exhibits are eagerly anticipated summer events.  The 2012 show includes several of her signature nocturnal scenes; Night Swimming, a fanciful depiction of  mermaids, for example, was inspired by swimming at night with friends.  “After Hurricane Irene, there was so much phosphorescence in the water…it was amazing,” says the artist.  “I have themes I keep going back to – night scenes, roads, winter – I keep painting them, but I just want to keep doing them better.”  Several of the winter landscapes were painted in Vermont.  “I love painting in winter…the snow picks up color, the purples in the evening are beautiful, the patterns of the weeds are like calligraphy.”  A group of what can be called Maine still lifes offer portraits of single beer bottles, baked bean cans, and various homely glassware items. 

            Bly’s work is often likened to that of Charles Burchfield (1893 – 1967), American painter and visionary artist.  When this was first mentioned to her, Bly had no idea who Burchfield was.  “After awhile, I looked at his work, and I could see what they meant.  He loved what he was painting.  His subjects were all things that moved me too.”

            The show presents twenty –nine oils on canvas, encompassing Bly’s favorite themes, as well as an engaging portrait of her son, scenes of deep woods, and an arresting large painting of cliffs rising from a furious foam-capped green sea.  Swirling expressionistic shapes, photographic darks and diffused light define work that combines mystery with passion, and a touch of sly humor.

            Please call or e-mail the gallery for pricing information.  E-mail: frostgal@midcoast.com.  Phone: 207-596-0800.

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

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