The brilliant colors of Claire Bigbee's work are a perfect way to wrap up the 2023 Summer Show Season on Maine Art Hill.
Claire Bigbee | Batson River Saltmarsh I | Oil on Canvas | 10" x 20"
Capturing the beauty and power of the grand scenery of Maine on canvas is Bigbee's inspiration. As a plein air painter, the infinite beauty of nature has always been her subject since moving to Maine when she was 12.
"Being alone with nature and observing the scenery is calming and gives me peace. Painting is a wordless expression when trying to represent what meets my eye looking at a view. Yet, an invisible presence surrounds me when I am alone in a field observing the landscape," shares Bigbee. "I can feel that presence or spirit voice watching the wind swaying through the marsh grass on a brisk fall day. The salt marsh sparrows swooping and diving in rhythm with the wind. It's an authentic dance and a breathtaking experience to watch. Those magical moments when all the hustle and bustle in life disappears and what's left is genuinely remarkable."
Claire Bigbee | White Light Island Sail | Acrylic & Oil on Canvas | 36" x 36"
Claire Bigbee | Kaleidoscope #2 | Mixed Media on Canvas | 20" x 20"
"In those quiet moments, I feel the creator orchestrating all the beauty surrounding me. As a co-creator of that beauty, I try to capture those moments in time and space. The dancing clouds and forever changing moods of the Maine skies," says Bigbee. "The fleeting light streaks across the beach or marshes and pastoral views. Those "wow" moments are when the landscape lights up and says look at me! It's my first impression, my feelings from a perspective I aim to capture on canvas and make timeless."
Claire Bigbee | White Island Light, Isles of Shoals | Oil on Canvas | 24" x 30"
If you can't wait until September, please come in or call to see our present collection of Bigbee's work. You can also click the links below to see them virtually and to learn more about her process.
September 2 - 27
Artist Reception: September 2, 5-7 PM
Gallery at the Grand
1 Chase Hill Rd. Kennebunk, Maine 04043