A little more than two years ago, artist Michele Poirier Mozzone joined Maine Art Hill. She quickly found success with an intriguing subject and a fun finished work. Her images instantly remind you of moments from your youth and warm summers spent in and under the water.

Mozzone pairs her dual interests of figurative imagery and colorful abstraction to create paintings that capture the unique feeling and distinct associations of the body suspended in water and time. She calls this series Fractured Light.

“This series allows me to paint what I love — the figure — while exploring areas of fluid distortion that exist naturally in turbulent, sunlight-drenched water,” says Mozzone. “Many of my latest pieces in the ‘Fractured Light’ underwater series have a common thread of color-blocking.”

Even though Mozzone is new to Maine Art, her underwater images have been part of her portfolio for over thirteen years. She and we at the gallery are excited to see how she moves into this next season.

“After 13 years of working on the same series, trying new things and letting the work evolve is rejuvenating,” shares Mozzone. “I’ve been exploring more muted, unexpected color palettes for underwater and areas of flat color against the rendered figure. I’m interested in pushing the limits of how far I can alter the environment yet still have it read like the figure is underwater.”

This summer, Mozzone will join two other artists to celebrate “Vacationland.”  Each will share their interpretations of what it means to be in Maine, especially near the water, especially in the warm weather. 

“I have been gearing up for my show opening on August 30 and spending many hours in the studio,” admits Mozzone. “However, winter is my favorite time of year to hibernate and create.”

Above is Blue Moon, a 24” x 24” oil on canvas that is the direct result of such hibernation creation. (available soon at Maine Art Hill)

Save the Date for Mozzone's 2025 Summer Show

Artist Reception Saturday, August 30, 5-7 PM

If you can't wait for the summer show, check out all of Mozzone's current works at Maine Art Hill below.