The walls at the Damariscotta River Grill transform to summer colors and images, exploring a number of themes and capturing the light and beauty of Maine. Artists Douglas Houle, Susan Tilton Pecora, and Kimberly Skillin Traina capture the essence of summer and life in Maine in three distinct styles and viewpoints, through pastel, oil, egg tempera and watercolor.

“Art at the Grill” opening reception is Thursday, Aug. 11. Join us for a special Prix Fixe three course menu that will be offered for $29, with a choice of wine pairings for $10, or choose a selection from the regular menu, from 4 - 8:30 p.m. and celebrate the artists.  A portion of the dinner proceeds will be used to fund a scholarship for a Lincoln Academy student pursuing an art education. Please call ahead to make a reservation. Stop in to enjoy beautiful art and delicious savory food offerings. Art is on display Aug. 8 through Sept. 19.  

Douglas Houle lives in Jefferson and has been traveling northern New England for the last 25 years. His focus has always been painting its buildings and landscapes, creating dramatic images of  ordinary buildings using light and color. "I am drawn to the charm and nostalgia around old homes and barns, store fronts, and light houses. Whether the places are frequently visited or passed by, they surround a town’s people, giving recognition to the historical relevance they have in our communities. I like to create a mood in my paintings that will remind you of a time gone by, and light and color are crucial for these pieces. Working primarily in oils, I leave the underlayer of my painting showing through the planes and edges, which helps to develop a level of interest in the surrounding work. Objects absorb and reflect all sorts of color and how that is manipulated impacts the mood. The light that each color creates is there to invite you. I want you to live in every one of these rooms, within each window, and behind every possible door.”

Susan Tilton Pecora was raised in Marblehead, Massachusetts. In this seashore community she grew to appreciate the quality of light and the intrinsic beauty of New England, painting the streets and seaports of New England since she was a child.  “I have been painting the harbors, farms and factory towns of New England since childhood.  I have made a living as an artist for over 40 years. I work in watercolor, egg tempera and oil.  My paintings begin with a pencil or ink sketch then a watercolor or underpainting in oil on location.  I finish the piece in my studio. New England is so beautiful and diverse, I hope to be painting it for another 40 years.” Susan exhibits and sells her work through galleries and art associations throughout the country and is a signature member of The New England Watercolor Society.

Kimberly Skillin Traina is a graphic designer, photographer and pastel artist living in Edgecomb. She lived on Peaks Island for 10 years, where her love affair with islands began. Kim creates her pastel paintings utilizing the pure pigments of soft pastels and her fingers to layer many colors on top of an underpainting, creating depth and luminescence.  Her work is a spiritual interpretation of nature, light and atmosphere through her depiction of skies, clouds, islands, water and waves.

“Making art is how I make sense of, and honor,  both my challenges and joys in this life. I love being outdoors, connecting with nature, creating in my studio, losing all sense of time and place. Whether I’m painting plein-air or from a photograph, the end result is always it’s own story, conveying my passion for this beautiful place I call home. I hang my pastels in my studio for months, picking them up to add a color, or change a shape until the story that wants to be told is complete.” 

The Grill, 155 Main St., Damariscotta, is open Monday through Saturday with Happy Hour from 3-5 p.m. Reservations are encouraged, 207-563-2992. For more information visit, www.damariscottarivergrill.com.