Artist Statement
“In my paintings I try to capture the quiet beauty I see all around me. I want my paintings to be more than just a picture. I want to rekindle a memory – of a person, a place or a certain day. When my viewer says, ”this reminds me so much of …….”, I know I have been successful.
I am extremely pleased to be chosen as one of the top artists in Waldo County, Maine, by both The Republican Journal’s and The Citizen’s “Best of the Best, People’s Choice Awards Competition.” It is an honor I will always treasure. I sincerely thank all those who made this possible.
And I wish to thank all my students for helping me to grow as an artist. We all worked very hard and my reward was seeing them reach a new and deeper understanding of their art. And in teaching, I continued to learn. It was a great partnership. Thank you.”
About
In January 1999, Celene and two other Maine artists established The Working Art Gallery in Belfast, Maine. The name was chosen because the three artists maintained their studios at the gallery. Visitors were encouraged to watch and ask questions. Celene served as manager as well as a participating artist and taught art classes and workshops at the gallery and in her home studio.
When the local newspaper began its “Best of the Best, People’s Choice Awards Competition” in 2007, the gallery was voted the top art gallery in Waldo County, Maine. When the Artist Category was added to the competition the following year, Celene was voted the top artist for 2008 and again in 2010.
The gallery retired in 2013 and Celene is enjoying more time for painting. Her work may be seen in local galleries, on her website and in her Ebay Store.
Celene works in oils in the traditional style. Her landscapes are influenced by her love of Maine, it’s mountains, the sea, her quiet rural life, her family and the people around her. The old world influence of the Chiaroscuro style of painting can be seen in her still life – strong lights, dark shadows and saturated colors, especially in her paintings with copper and transparent glass.
She is also an avid plein air painter and a member of The Plein Air Painters of Maine.
A retired health care professional, she grew up in 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 45 years, Celene and her husband reside on their farm in Morrill, Maine and today she’s still painting, teaching and exhibiting.
Her quiet life is reflected in her paintings.
