Sun, 11/19/2017 - 10:26 pm

“Eddy Marsh,” by Kim Skillins Traina. Courtesy photo

Edgecomb artist Kimberly Skillin Traina’s “Seasons of Maine” exhibition, featuring 30 pastel paintings, will be in the Miles Memorial Hospital Hall Gallery Nov. 25 through Jan. 4. Traina’s paintings of nature — water, waves, reflection, marshes, islands, and clouds — capture the different qualities of light inherent to the seasons in Maine.

A graphic designer and photographer for over 35 years, she began painting with soft pastels in 2011. “I love the intensity of the color, the ability to layer, and the feel of the medium as I work the pastels with my fingers. If I’m not painting plein-air, I start with a photograph I have taken, but the end result is always its own story. 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.”

One of Traina’s passions is helping other artists pursue and promote their work. She has been the art curator for the “Art at the Grill” program for over 10 years at the Damariscotta River Grill. Traina has also hosted many art events at The Lincoln Home to simultaneously help the resident’s assistance fund and promote local artists. Since its inception, Kim has been involved helping promote the Twin Villages Artwalk.

Purchasing a gift of art during this holiday season from the Miles Hall Gallery will help support Miles Memorial Hospital with a portion of the sales. For more information, or to purchase a pastel painting, please contact Kim Traina at 882-9870, jumpstartcreative@gmail.com or visit her website at kimtraina.com.