Artwork by Christine Aston Christine Aston photo

River Arts in Damariscotta plans to present the artwork of Christine Aston in a solo show “Improvisation” in the River Room at 36 Elm St. With a public reception from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 8, this display will run from Thursday, March 30, through Wednesday, April 19.

Aston resides in an 1820’s cape in Lincolnville and creates her artwork in the building that previously served as her father’s boat building and machine shop. Encouraged by a number of family artists, Aston achieved a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art at Maine College of Art as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater at the University of Maine, according to a news release from Alice de Mauriac at the gallery.

Watercolor, ink and collage mediums are the basis for her improvisational pieces. Her interest in the sea and architecture is evident as subject matter in works that become deeply textural and on the verge of abstraction. These works of and on paper are uniquely in the present and one gets the feeling that the artist has just invented them moments ago.

Speaking about this collection of works, Aston said, “I would like to thank River Arts for the opportunity to show my artwork for the second time! This body of work includes plein aire watercolors as well as collage incorporated into compositions. Plein aire has been challenging but rewarding. An initial bold gesture builds the composition and mood. A new location inspires improvisation of materials and drawing to capture the subject. I like to use collage to convey movement. Some collage elements have escaped beyond the matt! I find my style evolving and hope that the viewer connects with my work. Enjoy.”

Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit riverartsme.org or call 207-563-6868.

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