Sun, Sea & Schooners

We, (Andy & I) spent part of our 4th of July weekend at Pemaquid Beach. It was heavenly. On any given day during the summer months in Maine, you will see schooners off shore. These vessels, once considered the work horses of the eastern aboard, have been lovingly maintained and are now used for tours and pleasure. They have always been a favorite subject matter of my paintings...and even though I am not painting this summer, catching a glimpse of one set against a hazy sky, still makes my heart race.

Sun, Sea & Schooners

At any given moment during theses summer months, you can see Schooners off shore along the coast of Maine. Originally built as the work horse of the coast, these glorious, and graceful vessels have been lovingly maintained and a constant subject matter of my paintings over the years. Even though I am not currently painting, a glimpse of one under full sail against a hazy sky, still makes my heart race.

Art For Outreach - Recent Newspaper article

Inspiration for New Painting came from Above

Holly –Marie Haining will be one of the artists displaying her work at the eleventh Art for Outreach show held annually in the Parish House at St. Andrews Parish House on Glidden St in Newcastle. The opening reception will be on Tuesday, September 7 from 5- 7:30pm, and the show will run through Sunday, September 12. Haining’s original painting “As it once was” was inspired by the recent restoration and resurrection of the Church Steeple to the old Baptist Church that overlooks the town. The painting is inscribed on the back with this short poem also written by Haining.

“As It Once Was”

I looked up
to find the steeple;
standing sentry,

as it once was;
and the whole town sighed.
It was all that I could see;
and all was well again.

Haining’s paintings are not easily defined, but most closely as “neo-historical contemporary.” She often chooses subject matter steeped in coastal history. Her work is pared down and simple, stripping away modern day distractions as she imagines her subjects in their original state. As always, her works reveal a story or message whether through fanciful adaptations or by melding elements of abstract with impressionism. Haining feels right at home painting maritime scenes of Midcoast Maine, where she lives year round and works in her SeaWitch Studio along the Medomak River in Waldoboro. Her whimsical paintings of mermaids, satirical themes and commissions of historic sailing vessels are particularly well- known. Her accomplishments include book cover art for Penguin Press, affiliation with the American Folk Art Museum in New York City, and being invited as a featured artist for several maritime institutions of note, including the Maine Maritime Museum and the Nantucket Whaling Museum.

Other venues along the coast of Maine, where Haining’s reproductions and a limited selection of originals are sold include: Archipelago, the Island Institute (Rockland) Casual Interiors (Boothbay Harbor) Franciska Needham Gallery (Damariscotta) Maine Gathering, (Camden) Tidemark Gallery (Waldoboro) Debra Elizabeth’s (Wiscasset) Many of her designs are also available in custom kitchen and bathroom tile at Donna Carrigan’s Dovetail Design (Damariscotta) and of course, visitors are always welcomed at her SeaWitch Studio at 689 Friendship Rd., in Waldoboro by appt or simply by chance.207 –249- 7520.

Paint the Town Event a Huge Success

Thanks to all who attended "Paint the Town" - Waldoboro this past Saturday, August 21st. The attendance was wonderful, the bidding enthusiatic for works from forty-five artists throughout New England who all came to the beautiful Medomak Valley to paint for a day.

I'd like to also extend a special thank you to the persons who successfully bid and purchased my two paintings during the art auction that evening. A lot of money is donated to local non-profits through this annual event. Thanks again everyone! I feel very lucky to live and work in such a beautiful and generous place.

"Clouds" for Paint the Town Event

This painting of "Clouds over Camden " is sold but represents a body of work I am in the middle of creating. I am exhausted from craning my neck out of the car window, pulling over at inopportune moments, taking photos and a thousand mental snapshots of the glorious Maine sky...all summer long. I think I'm obsessed. However, I do feel alittle better since I have discovered there is even a "cloud observers society" or some such organization. There's comfort in knowing I'm not the only nut out there. The Cloud painting shown here is representative of what I try to acheive with my cloud paintings. Using acrylic glazes and other mediums, my goal is to always show strong movement as if the viewer is being swept up with the clouds. I truly do get lost in the process. I have no idea how each one will turn out. They do take on a life of their own. If you're interested in seeing them, there are two examples of these paintings at Tidemark Gallery, 902 Main St. Waldoboro- two here at the studio, 689 Friendship Rd. Waldoboro. I will be entering 2 to 3 panoramas measuring 12" x 48" into the Paint the Town acution this Saturday night August 21st. The event is held at VFW Hall on Mill St. Waldoboro at 7 p.m. reception and preview is at 6 p.m. Kaja Veilleux auctioneer. Hope to see you there!!

August in Maine.

There's a protest brewing. I can feel four bulging brown eyes boring a hole in the back of my head these days as I find no time for play or walks or anything but painting. The Pugs may soon start picketing with little signs around their big fat puggy necks that say things like "save us from neglectful selfish owner" or Briggs (the brains of the two) may figure out how to dial the local Animal Control to complain...they are that spoiled. Even worse yet- Lily (the trouble maker of the two) may find something to chew up again...like the sofa or a favorite pillow... oh, I better go check - they are being really quiet....

It seems as though the entire summer takes place in August. This is the time of year when many people begin to drop off furniture to SeaWitch Studio and place orders for commission work. Everything from entire bedroom ensembles (the photo here is the top of a nightstand I accomplished last winter) to room size murals on canvas that I ship across the country.
Customers leave their orders and furniture with me now, and then pick it up when they return to Maine later, or arrange for shipping. Paintings, murals and furniture are planned, dreamed of and created here over the next several months.

With the heat and humidity of today, I still remember how the biting winter wind finds its way in and under my rattling barn windows... as it steals across frozen snow making its way up from the icy Medomak River. But inside- lots of activity always going on.

We have managed to get some sailing in on a couple of occassions...and will sneak it in somehow....

Studio Open Monday, Thursday, Fridays 11 to 4 pm

SeaWitch Studio is now open every Monday, Thursday, Friday- 11 to 4 pm, now through September and seven days a week by appointment. I am working on a new look for my painted furniture. Lately, I have been inspired to search for pieces with graceful lines that have a slightly more formal appearance than I have chosen to paint on in the past. I find the finished effect to be very appealing...

I have found some great pieces in the turn-of-the century period. Be sure to stop by for a glass of iced tea...a cookie of the day and see what I've been up to.... for directions, please call me at 207 -249 -7520. See you soon!

Clouds...Wonderous Clouds!

Every summer I become obsessed with the sky at some point. The Maine skies along the coast here have not disappointed. They consistently deliver jaw dropping cloud formations nearly every day for nearly a month now. So much so, I have to be careful with my driving as I am so preoccupied by looking up and taking mental notes...I find that photos are not as useful an mental snapshots. I have completed five sky scape's and all but one have sold...so I will continue to paint the sky until something else drags my attention away..... in fact, I am planning to paint the sky for our local "Paint the Town" event here in August. I hope that you are able to find a spot on the beach or in a park, look up and enjoy them as much as I do. Until next time....

Sea & Sky

At this time of year....my attention always turns toward the sky. I am fortunate to experience some sensational sunsets and cloud formations nearly every day. I am working on a series of cloud paintings and cannot produce them fast enough. Here are two...The first one is called "Confused Sea" and was inspired by some big weather we have experienced lately along the coast of Maine over the past couple of years. Our weather becomes increasingly unpredicitable - as in the rest of the world it seems.


The second image- "Horsetails" is a painting from my memory, of a sky I saw while my husband and I ran our dogs on a beach in Friendship, Maine...me without camera or sketchpad!! I was so impressed however, I think that I captured the feeling of the day. I will post that image on my next post.

Say yes to summer!!! Find a comfy spot on the beach to settle in, look to the sky, bury your toes in the sand and let it all sink in.

The last of winters work delivered!!

This is a huge 8 ft. table top painted for clients whose house overlooks a gorgeous ocean vista. They were very pleased. Commission work can be stressful- but oh so rewarding. Although I am often commissioned for one- dimensional paintings on canvas or wood panel, some clients also commission me to paint my scenes on functional furniture.
I don't really think of it as decorative...I'd like to think of it as a step beyond. I won't paint flower borders or frilly patterns. These are detailed paintings that happen to live on the front of a great cupboard, table top or even a door! Surprise!! The more unexpected the object, the more I enjoy it.

Spring Splender....

The sheep are patiently waiting for Jeff...our sheep shearer to arrive....

Favorite Frame finds...and weekend wanderings...

Favorite Frames found on weekend excursions to favorite antique shops downeast, are stored away for the "right painting." Sometimes, I have a frame for a year or more before the appropriate painting is conceived of -or commissioned.

Poking around Port Clyde with husband Andy- produces a "natural art find" --a great shaped stone completely covered with barnacles. Delightful!! Even though I do not use these "found treasures" as models for my paintings- keeping them close by certainly makes them an important "muse" of the creative process. It's all about atmosphere and what you surround yourself with everyday.

Tea in the studio and counting sheep....

I'm a great believer in the ritual of tea. Nearly anything can be settled, resolved, planned, whatever the need be- over a good soothing cup of tea. No wonder historically we have sailed half way around the world to find it...and revolt when anyone tries to mess with availability (Great Boston Tea Party)Many a painting has been contemplated while sipping tea in the studio. And when visitors come by- a pot of tea and goodies are always at the ready!!


The Sheep have a case of spring fever. They chase each other as if they were lambs but the oldest- Cl hoe is twelve already. In the evening at sunset....they refuse to come in. It happens every year. Great patience from the Shepard (me) is required. This phenomenon forces me to spend more time out with the sheep, where life is slow and carefree and time is not an issue. Very healthy. Forget deadlines and commitments and simply live in the "now." I highly recommend it- spending time with sheep has all of the benefits of meditation.

When Wives Went to Sea....

Nearly finished with the third painting of the "Black Dress" series. Inspired by a piece of scrimshaw, I found at a local thrift shop - I have been thinking a lot about the sailors of the 18th 19th centuries
Imagine, when wives went to sea....

Mar 8, 2010 8:52 AMThe attraction of old boats......from Holly-Marie Haining Studios by Holly-Marie Haining
"Holly- why do you paint sooooo many boats?" Asked the 10 yr. old daughter of a friend who visited my studio last summer. It's a question I have asked myself over and over again without any obvious answer. Perhaps I was a sea captains wife in another lifetime" I teased...or even the captain himself whose proud ship was wrecked off our rocky coastline-- thousands of them were you know.." -I teased. With that response, her blue/green eyes sparkled like the sea itself and I knew I had struck a chord of intrigue. It's true I have painted many historic ships over the years- from the Daniel Tenney, a whaling ship from Nantucket for it's family heritage, to a commission of the Victory Chimes, still sailed right here in Rockland. But in between, I paint many more just because I love wooden ships and feel an attachment to them that goes far beyond the canvas.



Yesterday, as I was coming home from my usual walk with "The Pugs" I noticed the 200 yr. old Oak tree that hovers over our old cape built around the same time. Towering far above the roof line, the tree seems to frame and embrace the house. Even during the extreme winds we sometimes experience here on the river, I lay in our bed tucked under an eave and hear the wind rush through its branches. The sound makes me feel contented and protected. As I admired the branches yesterday, it occurred to me that tree had been spared the harvest for ship building that so dominated this town during the 1800's. I suppose it was not mature enough to become the timbers and frames of the 600 sailing ships that were built just below my studio and up river a bit toward town.



There was something magical about a wooden ship. Much like a romance, she blossomed out of love, great hopes and endless dreams. She had a soul that came from live trees that came from her timbers, a heart from the man who hewed and framed her, and the beauty and simplicity from the nature that surrounded her. As I studied the great oak, I realized that this is my connection to sailing ships....even when I'm not painting a ship portrait, I usually work them into the painting somehow, as shown here in the very first rough sketch for the next painting in the series of the "Black Dress'............

Just when you think it's safe to come out of the down comforter~ there's March. A Cruel month by anyones standards. Teasingly warm at times it can also dump a foot of snow without even thinking about it.






March for me usually means lots of catching up on commission painting for those clients who return in spring to their second homes on the coast of Maine. This March however, I also find myself buried in a new body of work.



This new chapter has been brewing and bubbling beneath the surface for some time. And it has totally engulfed me and holds my attention-like a switch I can't shut off. Tugging and nagging at me when I can't give it my full attention....the ideas are flowing even as I sleep.




This episode in my creative life seems to have culminated as a result of my being a collector of sorts- though I can't stand clutter. I have all of these wooden boxes in my SeaWitch studio full of "finds" discovered on mandatory walks in the woods and along the shore with "the pugs." I often find beauty in odd things. Scooping up interesting rocks, spotting moss "growths" on tree branches--delighting in a bit of 200 year old barbed wire amazingly still sitting on a stonewall. Or- it may be as simple as the sound of a bird, fox or coyote that triggers a mental sketch in my mind.

I am so entwined with the past- it's history, the souls who walked these woods before me.... I'm reminded every day and feel fortunate to know I am just where I belong.....