Allen Bunker, who for many years was an integral part of Boothbay Harbor’s art scene, will exhibit his most recent works “Landscape Allusions,” at Damariscotta’s Savory Maine Restaurant, now through September 9.

An opening reception for the artist will be held Friday, Aug. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. Savory Maine will provide delectable finger foods. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. The public is invited.

A carpenter by trade, Bunker was always interested in design and aesthetics. Basically self-taught, he started painting in oils while vacationing in Boothbay Harbor and Cape Cod in the 1980s. With help from many artists along the way, he found his own style.

“Artists understand that the object itself is not the real concern, but the light falling on the object is what gives it life. Take the water in a harbor for example. At different times of the day, it can be blue, green, white, silver or black. The water has not changed but the light has,” Bunker said.

“I try to paint the feeling I get from a particular scene. People vacation not just for the good weather and spectacular landscape but to 'get away' or 'get back to nature.' These are feelings or emotions. My paintings are based on the landscape but if I am successful they go much further. I call them ‘Landscape Allusions’,” Bunker said.

“My goal as an artist is to bring the viewer back to that feeling or emotion. These are the higher values. It is not always a pretty little emotion with a picket fence around it. Many times, especially in Maine, the feeling is intense and bold, or cold and foreboding. But then there are those gorgeous landscape skies and land and water that almost make you want to cry they are so beautiful. They are all a part of life and I would like to capture them all in my work.”

For more information on Bunker’s work, go to www.allenbunker.com.

Savory Maine is located at 11 Water Street in Damariscotta. It is open seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and brunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The restaurant sources most of its food from Maine, and essentially all of it is organically grown, wild harvested, or grass fed. For more information call 207-563-2111 or visit www.savorymainedining.com.