Watercolorist Steve Hamlin will present a demonstration of his technique at the Kefauver Studio & Gallery in Damariscotta on Saturday, Aug. 9. The event is free of charge and is open to the public. Hamlin, a New England native, is a guest artist at the gallery for the 2014 summer season.

Hamlin paints vivid portraits of birds, having become a wildlife painter “almost by accident.” A wildlife photographer along with his wife, he was intrigued with puffins, and visited New Harbor, Easter Egg Rock, and Machias Seal Island, taking hundreds of photos.

He required surgery in 2005 and turned to painting as a way to keep occupied during his recovery. Once again, puffins proved irresistible, and paintings such as “Burrow Sentry” were the happy result.

“Animals, and especially birds, are really rewarding to paint. They come in such a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and they live in such a diverse set of conditions,” Hamlin said. “The challenge of painting them and capturing their spark is incredibly stimulating.”

The artist will demonstrate his “wet-in-wet” background technique, and will discuss masking and texture techniques such as spatter and scraping. Attendees will find that the demonstration will be spontaneous, as the weather will play a role in how the demo is conducted.

“With watercolors, the medium dictates the pace of events,” Hamlin said. “If it’s a day with low humidity, I’ll be able to demonstrate my technique more comprehensively than if it’s a damp, rainy day.”

Hamlin has won many prestigious awards, including the Kent Art Association’s “Excellence in Watercolors” (2014) and has exhibited across the country, including the Salmagundi Club in New York and at the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts (both 2012).

The demonstration will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Kefauver Studio & Gallery, 144 Bristol Road, Damariscotta. Refreshments will be served.

Hamlin looks forward to answering questions during and after the demonstration.

For more information, go to www.kefauverstudio.com or call 207-226-0974.