This exhibit encompasses the work of over twenty artists, both historical and contemporary, who have painted New England scenes in a wide variety of subjects, mediums and styles 'en plein aire'.  The ten I have chosen to spotlight represent this inspiring diversity that is the artistic heritage of the region.

Known for Barbizon and Impressionist styles, Enneking was one of the most popular landscape painters of New England and one of its most successful financially. Enneking held membership at the Boston Art Club, Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts and the Salmagundi Club. His works are part of the collections of the Boston Museum of Art and the Worcester Art Museum, Farnsworth Art Museum,etc.

Born on an Ohio farm and orphaned as a teenager. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted on the Union army but was severly wounded and returned to Cincinnati. In 1868 he went to Boston, where he studied lithography and began to paint landscapes. The catalyst for his success came while studying in France with Leon Bonnat and Charles Francois Daubigny during the 1870s on an extended stay, and when he is said to have painted with Monet. Enneking returned to Boston in 1876, and in 1878, his first solo in Boston sealed his reputation. Beginning in the early 1880s he spent summers in North Newry, ME. He also painted frequently in the White Mountains, favoring its trout brooks and woodland scenes.

DUNHAMS PLACE, S.PARIS ME

Vivian Milner Akers (1886-1966)

12" X 16" (17 1⁄2" X 21 1⁄2" OVERALL WITH FRAME)
SIGNED ON THE LOWER LEFT AND DATED 47’

Born in Liberty, Indiana, Jay Hall Connaway was fascinated by coastal life and marine scenery, an attraction that had profound effects on his life and artwork. After periodically studying at the Art Institute of Indianapolis and at the Art Students League with William Merritt Chase, Connaway traveled throughout the United States.ndertake further study in Paris at the Academie Julian and at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Encouraged by Robert Macbeth (Macbeth Gal., NYC) and artists Paul Dougherty, Emil Carlsen, and Frederick Waugh, he spent 1922-25 painting at Head Harbor, ME. From 1929-31 he was painting in Brittany and Paris, sponsored by Macbeth and Milch. Returning in the midst of the Depression, he and his family settled at Monhegan Island, ME year-round from 1931 until 1947. when they moved to Dorset and then Pawlet, VT. A popular landscape painter with robust brushwork, he gave lectures and demonstrations around the country. He ran a summer school at Monhegan until 1947, and at Dorset, VT until 1966. His work was featured in an unprecedented 85 one-man shows, evidence of his successful and widely renowned career as a skilled sea painter.

Spring, Harvard

Agnes Ann Abbot (1897-1992)
Unsigned, artist's estate stamp on the reverse
Oil on board, 14 1/2 x 17 Condition: Excellent

Winter's Retreat

Signed "Bernard Corey" l.r.,
Oil on Masonite, 10.5 x 14 in. Condition: Excellent.

William Merritt Post (1856-1935) Maintained studios in both New York City and in West Morris, now Bantum, Connecticut. He first studied art in New York with Samuel Frost Johnson, then the Art Students League with James Carroll Beckwith and finally with the landscape painter, Hugh Bolton Jones. He and Jones did tightly focused landscape scenes, often with streams amid trees. Capturing light at differing times was their goal, and by the mid-1880s, he was influenced by Impressionism. An associate member of the National Academy of Design in New York, he moved to Connecticut in 1912.

William Marvin is privileged to be able to capture the ever-changing moods of nature, out in the open, fresh and unspoiled. Bill attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena taking extensive courses in design, drawing, painting and illustration. Upon graduating with honors in 1974 he came to Chicago to begin a challenging career as a graphic designer. Bill started showing his landscapes in 1996 and immediately began to draw attention from collectors. His work embodies dynamic compositions and an impressionistic use of color. The results are paintings that are vibrant with light and energy. He has painted throughout the Midwest and the Southwest, and most recently the Maine Coast and Acadia National Park. Bill’s artwork hangs in private and corporate collections throughout the United States.

Huckleberry on Ledges (11 x 14 oil on canvas)

Valerie Aponik

Prefers to paint en plein air along the coast of Maine near her home on Great Wass Island. Primarily self-taught, she has also studied with Louis Griffel, Betty Billups, Louis Borne, Peggy Graf and Greg Henderson. Her work is exhibited in galleries and juried shows throughout Maine.  

“My passion is for oil painting en plein air in all seasons. Inspiration is drawn from tidal places, primarily Great Wass Island, that reflect a place and life that seems timeless . The challenge is to freshly capture the light, form, tide using color and passion with knife, brush or my fingers--to bring you the moment.”