“Paint is, of course, the material of expression. Yet, it is also the instructor or teacher,” says artist Janis H. Sanders. Through his many years at Maine Art Hill, we have been lucky to see his process and growth play out through time and work. 

“As the painting evolves, from the first application of paint, sometimes bold and sure, or occasionally small and tentative, it is a natural symbiosis generated organically,” shares Sanders. “Immediately, the play and interplay start, and the paint leads me as much as I lead it.” 
 

When thinking about a new solo show, feelings mix, meld, and grow into a fresh body of work for Sanders. He likens it to getting fitted for a new suit.

"A nip here, a tuck and tug there, or a chalk mark that is the conception outline of a new work," he laughs. "Ideally, what is the best or most appropriate and expressive size of ground that can reveal the essence of the subject matter and the intent? Does it hit the mark? Again, with the suit analogy, Is the sleeve right? Does the color stray? Is it too old or maybe too new? Will others laugh and say it is too far out? Or worse, is it redundant?"

So what does an artist do? Explore, push, pull, pull back, surge full force; it's only paint.  

"I lean heavily on intuition; it's all I've got. I add in technique and theory. This is where the serious play begins," explains Sanders. "For me, it's all so familiar but oddly new. Each new gesture is unique to itself, never before, never after. The blank white surface invites and jeers me."

For Sanders, the process and the result are tangible, physical, and touchable. They are within and without him, but finally, they have a solid form to show.   

Save the Date for Sanders' 2025 Summer Show

Artist Reception Saturday, June 14, 5-7 PM