ROCHESTER - The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing, 33 N. Main Street in Rochester, will host an exhibit during the month of July showcasing the works of The Field and Borough Painters": Maryann Goblick, Lauren Hammond, Norman Royle and Cheryl Shanahan, four local artists who love to paint En Plein Air. An opening reception will be held on July 10, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend and meet the artists.
Hanging out with people who share similar interests always makes life more enjoyable. That's exactly what happened when a group of plein air painters came together to do what they love most. Not everyone is willing to stand outside, braving the elements to capture a scene on canvas, but when you do, you see so many more colors and can truly grasp the essence of the moment in a way that a photograph just can't convey. Ask any experience painter, and they'll tell you: painting from life is always the way to go.
This particular group came together through the Governor Wentworth Arts Council, each bringing their own unique perspective to the easel. They have painted together many times, always taking the time to offer constructive critiques, share words of encouragement, and, of course, enjoy plenty of laughter. It's the kind of camaraderie that makes the creative process even more rewarding.
Maryann Goblick began her passion for art at a young age and won much recognition in her early years. She had a long career as an attorney; however, during that time, she continued to expand and learn her craft. After she retired, Goblick began taking classes and workshops and with local and nationally known artists. She paints in a representational style in watercolor, pastel, and oil, and draws inspiration from the peaceful beauty of the Lakes Region.
Lauren Hammond's work is deeply rooted in the ever-changing beauty of nature. After retiring from a career as a teacher at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, she fully immersed herself in the world of plein air painting. For years, Hammond has been inspired by the play of light on the water, forests, and mountains which surround her.
Norman Royle, a graduate of Vasper George School of Art in Boston, began his early career in advertising and as a graphic designer. He has studied under the late Philip Parsons of Lexington, where he painted mostly landscapes in oils. Once moving to NH, he painted with Martha Lohaus' Plein-Art Art Group in Wolfeboro. Thus began a 20-year, once a week painting session - indoors in winter and outdoors when the weather permitted.
Cheryl Shanahan is an internationally collected acrylic painter who splits her year between the Lakes Region in NH and Richmond, Virginia. Shanahan began her creative path at the age of four beginning when she taught herself how to read music. For many years, Shanahan expressed herself through writing, photography and piano. She became curious about painting in 2020 and began taking classes. She drew knowledge of composition, value, and color from her years as a photographer. Shanahan loves exploring a full range of super-saturated colors in her subject matter.
RiverStones Custom Framing and the Franklin Gallery are open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For information about this exhibit and other RiverStones events and services, call Kris at 603-812-1488 or visit the RiverStones website or Facebook page.