Two solo shows open at Seacoast Artist Association

EXETER — The Seacoast Artist Association in Exeter presents solo shows by two New Hampshire artists opening on Wednesday, May 31: “Capturing the Dunes: An Everchanging Vista” by Newington acrylic painter Dave Turbide and “Naturally Curious: The Character of Wildlife,” watercolors by Linn Stillwell of Center Barnstead. Both shows run through June 25.

Newburyport native Turbide has always felt a strong connection to the New England coast, especially to boats, docks, and shoreline, objects that clearly show the power of the sea and the effects of age. “I love to walk on the beach early in the morning and late in the afternoon when erosion control fences (we used to call them snow fences), dunes and plant life create an ever-changing vista and unique visual images to photograph and later paint.

“I’ve painted enough sand dunes and erosion control fences to run out of clever names, so now I merely number them. I have long been intrigued by the movement of sand along the beach over time as wind and waves conspire to create infinitely varied patterns and configurations. The fences contribute to that evolution by interrupting the smooth wind currents creating more swirls and hills (dunes). Then the sea grass takes root, providing more swirls and capturing individual grains into micro-dunes. Finally, in early morning and late afternoon the sun provides the lighting that brings all this motion into view. And it is always changing. One can visit the same spot, day after day and at various times of day, and enjoy natures continually changing artwork.”

Turbide started his work life as an engineer, became an independent consultant working with US manufacturing companies helping them better run their businesses. Later, after writing for technical publications for several years, he and his wife started their own magazine (for manufacturers) and Turbide served as chief editor for five years, during which time the magazine was purchased by a big media company. Rather than go back on the road consulting, Turbide earned his living writing technical papers, blogs, and magazine articles for system and software suppliers that used to advertise in his magazine.

Later in life, after attending watercolor painting workshops with local painter and teacher Doris Rice, he discovered that painting was something he could do… and enjoy. A few years later he branched out into oils with a weeklong workshop with Todd Bonita, then found that acrylics was a better match for his temperament. Other favorite subjects include flowers, birch trees, sand dunes, reflection on water, and breaking waves. He continues to try new styles such as abstraction and different media and techniques like colored pencils and pallet knife painting. Turbide is an exhibiting member of the Seacoast Artists Association and currently serves as president of the association. He is also a juried member of the New Hampshire Art Association.

Nature is where Stillwell feels most engaged, ready to capture beautiful light filtering through trees, slanting over water to illuminate landscapes, birds and animals. She brings these beautiful scenes to life in watercolor paintings. Inspired to follow the naturalist’s path of artistic expression she brings behaviors and environments to bear on her wildlife paintings. Stillwell paints watercolor plein air and from photographs taken at wildlife refuges, state, and national parks.

Stillwell feels fortunate to live in the beautiful northern New Hampshire region especially because it is so rich in a wide variety of wildlife. She believes that it is important to explore the anatomy of any creature you desire to paint before moving forward to a painting. “When I was photographing wildlife, my goal was to get a really well-composed photo with enough detail that you really felt you were viewing the special attributes of a particular animal or bird. I became much more interested in providing a view into their character, so moved from wanting to record a particular animal or bird to delving into their character on another level. See them toss their heads, preen feathers, curl their furry tails right around and over a cold nose, and you will know that is what life is like for them. As a painter I have an ability to entice the viewer to look at a painting on another level, to gaze into the eyes of a bird, to detect the shift of feathers, the vapor coming off the back of a sheep in the morning air, to note that an owl stands firm in a storm torn landscape despite being threatened.”

Stillwell has been fortunate to study with many outstanding nationally recognized watercolor artists. She served as the president of the Tennessee Watercolor Society before moving back to New Hampshire to be nearer her family. She is a member of the Northeast Watercolor Society, the New England Watercolor Society and the Mid-South Watercolor Society. Her work has been displayed in the Customs House Museum, the Knoxville Museum of Art, Athens Art Center, the Emporium Art Center, the Art Market Gallery, the Lakes Region Art Association Gallery, LaBelle Winery Gallery and the New Hampshire Art Association Gallery.

Meet the artists at the SAA’s Second Friday artist reception on June 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. when the SAA will also celebrate the artists in their June theme show, “Sunrise, Sunset and Moonlit Eves.” Singer-songwriter Jerry Short will be performing on guitar, harmonica, dobro and vocals, unpacking original compositions, old favorites and a few new tunes as well. Short has been holding forth on the New England folk music scene for 30 plus years. Before settling in Maine, Short played his folk, country, and blues around the US and internationally — including a three-year stint performing in the USO. His love of bluegrass comes from his native state of Kentucky, and the rockin’ blues from Gary, Indiana where his family moved when he was 10 years old. His work has been described as “pure American.”