Three artists with distinctly different styles, mediums and viewpoints, transform the walls at Damariscotta River Grill through pastel, photography and watercolor.  Meet artists Kathleen Horst, Sara Ostrov and fine art photographer, Linwood Riggs, at the “Art at the Grill” opening reception, Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 4-5:30 p.m.  Stop in and enjoy lovely art while savoring hors d’oeuvres. Art is on display Sept. 10 through Oct. 22. 

Kathleen Horst grew up in Florida where she developed a love of nature's luxurious colors. As a child, sketching and drawing were important to her.  Her first professional artistic endeavors were as a studio potter for 20 years. She summered in Damariscotta for many years, and now lives here full time. “I have fulfilled my dream of being here year round to paint the coastal landscapes, villages and cottages that make the area so special.” 

“My love of coastal Maine encompasses it’s seacoast, quaint villages, scenic coves, trails and gardens. The rocky shore, vistas and cottages with colorful wildflower or perennial gardens infuse me with the desire to interpret their beauty with paints,” Horst said.  “A gardener at heart, painting flowers is one of my passions. A second love is village architecture.  Often my artwork can include the lines and details of historic homes and buildings.  It may be a downtown landmark,  a Victorian mansion with filigree trim or a rustic cottage by the sea that inspires me to include them in a scene. My vision is to combine nature and architecture so that they can become extensions and complements of each other in my art.”

Sara Ostrov from Falmouth, Maine, started painting with pastels when she retired from 35 years as a studio potter. The porcelain pieces were all hand painted with her own designs. She became interested in working with the pastel medium a few years ago. Pastels are an art medium in the form of a stick made with pure pigment and a binding material. The same pigments are used to make oil paint and other colored art media. Pastels have been in use by artists, such as Degas, since the Renaissance.  Pastel is not ‘chalk.’ It will not fade.

“I have always been an outdoors person,”  said Ostrov. “Painting landscapes have naturally evolved from my love of hiking and exploring beautiful natural areas. The pastel medium is very direct and immediate which strongly relates to my working with clay for so many years. I love painting trees, water and skies with particular emphasis on light and its impact on the landscape environment.”

Linwood Riggs lives in Augusta, Maine. Since his retirement from a career in Information Technology, much of his leisure time has been devoted to nature photography. At first, he photographed anything and everything, but soon discovered that birds are his favorite subjects. Ospreys diving into the Kennebec River in Augusta and the stream at Damariscotta Mills during the annual alewife run are favorite targets; he also focuses his lens on eagles, herons, egrets, cranes and even the 4-foot long sturgeon that leap energetically out of the water for several weeks each year.

“My photography continues to evolve, and in recent years I have attempted to make the transition from documentary photographer to visual artist through careful attention to backgrounds, lighting, color and composition.  Some of the photos I’ve posted online have elicited comments such as “that looks like a painting”; I consider that a compliment, as I do try to inject some artistry into my images whenever possible.  All the while, though, I maintain the basic integrity of the photograph, with enhancements limited to cropping, exposure, shadow/highlight and similar Lightroom tweaks, with no surreptitious “Photoshopping” that alters the reality of the image.”

Call the Damariscotta River Grill for more information 563-2992 or visit our Facebook page. The Grill is located at 155 Main St., Damariscotta and is open seven days for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.