Celene Farris
Artist Statement
“I think of myself as a representational artist. My work is greatly influenced by the Chiaroscuro effect: the sharp contrasts of dark and light that really catch my imagination; the wonderful effects of reflecting tones and shapes on shiny metals and glass, the deep rich colors, that “old world” feeling. And the simple arrangements. To me, it’s like quiet, deeply moving music.
I also enjoy the challenge of painting outside, “en plein air,” trying to capture the effects of fleeting light and color and the rising and falling of tides on the coast of Maine. Painting a constantly changing scene is a challenge I thoroughly enjoy.
I am extremely pleased to be chosen as one of the top artists in Waldo County, Maine, by the Republican Journal’s “Best of the Best" People’s Choice Awards for the last four years. It is an honor I will always treasure. I sincerely thank all those who made this possible.”
About
In 1999, Celene and two other artists established The Working Art Gallery in Belfast, Maine, which has been voted one of the top art galleries in Waldo County, Maine, every year since 2007. At the close of 2011, after thirteen busy years, the artists decided it was time to downsize the gallery and give themselves more free time to paint. So they moved their gallery upstairs and rented the first floor to another artist.
Celene has been voted one of the best artists in Waldo County, Maine, by the Republican Journal’s “Best of the Best" People’s Choice Awards every year since 2008. She shares her love of painting by teaching classes in her studio. She is also an avid plein air painter. Her work can be seen at her gallery in Belfast and other galleries across the country and on her website.
Her oils mirror the old world influences of the chiaroscuro style of paintings with strong lights, dark shadows and saturated colors, especially in her still lifes with copper and transparent glass.
Celene grew up in Manchester, a small town in Connecticut. The surrounding farms and rolling hills instilled in her a love of nature and an appreciation of simpler times. A Maine resident for more than 40 years, Celene and her husband reside on their farm in Morrill and today she’s still painting, teaching and exhibiting.
Her quiet life is reflected in her paintings.