Savory Maine Dining & Provisions is happy to present the unique artwork of Harpswell artist Hati Modr in an exhibit from June 15 to July 25. Savory Maine will provide delectable sweet and savory finger foods, and wine and beer will be available. There will be a reception for Hati at Savory Maine on Friday, June 24 from 3-5 p.m. and the public is invited. 

Harmony, balance and an abstract quality underlie Hati’s representational work. Her still life and landscape oil paintings are inspired by sunlight and the shadows it casts. Walking on Monhegan Island and around Harpswell on sunny Maine days, images beg to be drawn: boats leaning up against the back of a shed in early morning light, shadows of the building next to it at Fish Beach, a friend’s porch in afternoon sunshine.

“The excitement is in finding these images where the light dazzles and to be there in that moment,” said Modr. “Such a surprise to turn a corner and see a painting with the light just so, blues of sky and sea, the old buildings where fishermen lived and worked the water.”

Modr, who began drawing and painting since childhood, went on to study art with Michael Lewis at the University of Maine at Orono, watercolor painting with Viola Lyman, oil painting with Alfred Chadbourn, and the Renaissance technique with Alex Gnidziejko. In England she studied sculpture with Jane Hamilton.

Her studio, The Blue Door, is housed in one of the oldest structures in Harpswell. Modr and her husband saved the building in 1991. Modr offers classes in painting and drawing there.

“There is a window on the south side where light floods in during the afternoon. I go back to paint at the same time of the day when I work on a still life,” Modr shared. “The Color Play series started with the Brunswick 10x10 Arts Are Elementary fundraiser. Cups set on a color chart and shadows of the window mullions create the composition. Bright turquoise, orange, cadmium yellow cups play with the squares of the chart.”

Hati Modr's palette has brightened over the years, especially after living in Italy. Now back to wintering in Maine, painting summer scenes and bright still life keeps her inspired in the cold months.

Modr is a working member of the Stable Gallery in Damariscotta. Her paintings are in collections in the U. S.,  England, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Holland.

The Blue Door is open by appointment or chance. Contact the artist by phone – 207-833-2815 or email:modr@myfairpoint.net

Savory Maine is located at 11 Water Street, Damariscotta. It is open five days a week, serving lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information call 207-563-2111 or visit www.savorymainedining.com.