Karen Bruson has been with Maine Art Hill for a few years now. She has quickly become recognizable, and folks seek her brilliant colors and stunning contrasts in her works. Today, she has agreed to share a bit about her process and the first steps that led to the creation of her stunning works.

“The photo above is a close-up of a boat at the beginning of the painting process,” Bruson explains. “I tend to put a warm yellow ground all over the canvas, as in this example. I leave some of the yellow peaking through as it gives a freshness to the painting.”

Compare the first image to the one about to see the changes and the similarities between the “first draft” and the final pieces.

“I try to suggest the figures without over-rendering them,” says Bruson. “I started as an illustrator and graphic designer for New Hampshire Magazine, so I lean towards high contrast: very dark darks against very light lights.”

Remember, the show opens on Saturday, May 25, at 10 AM at Maine Art Hill, 5 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. It runs for almost a month and ends on June 19.  FMI 207-967-2803 or info@maine-art.com.