D E C E M B E R 

N E W S L E T T E R

Alas, my 6th Newsletter of the year--December! This will more than likely be the last one of the year.  I will come back for 2022.  I made 6 out of 12 newsletters happen which is not too shabby for not having done them before.  Thank you to ALL who subscribed and read through <3 

I'm happy to announce that I have been accepted into the 2022 Maine Master Naturalist Program at the Wells Reserve, receiving a Fellowship for BIPOC individuals that covers the entire tuition. I am so honored and excited for the year ahead and for all I will learn. I'm happy to focus on something a little outside of my comfort zone and to personally explore the intersection of art and nature.  

I will be participating in three exhibitions this December: 

The Harlow's member exhibition, Illuminations and 5x5x85. 

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New System Exhibitions Annual Fundraising Auction, Laundry Day 3. 

I will be showing one piece in Illuminations, three 5" x 5" paintings for $85 in 5x5x85, and three pieces up for auction in Laundry Day 3.  

More info and photos below!

 Illuminations 

at The Harlow in Hallowell, ME 

Oddly enough, I was already making and thinking about work that glows when The Harlow announced this show and the theme of *illuminations.*  This piece is an image and memory I've had in my head for awhile--all my life.  One of my earliest memories in life is being with my mom in our house in Gorham, ME looking out the window to the backyard, and watching fireflies.  And I've been trying to remember.  I've been trying to remember that feeling.  I've been trying to remember that moment and the way they looked in the grass and amongst the trees.  I haven't been entirely successful in remembering but I keep trying to explore that, and every attempt brings me a little closer.   

5 x 5 x 85 

at The Harlow in Hallowell, ME

These three pieces will be a part of this show that will be held simultaneously with Illuminations! 

I love these little paintings.  I actually painted two different versions of the first painting and it was just not turning out as I wanted.  And then I realized I was engaging with the wrong surface.  One of my favorite parts of painting is being able to smoosh and scratch my brush into the surface. I've found I love coarse brushes and scratchy marks and it was hard to achieve that on hyper smooth surfaces.  So I added Pumice Gel and it's changed everything for me.  

Laundry Day 3 
Annual Fundraising Auction 
at New Systems Exhibitions in Portland, ME

1. "Untitled," 2020.  Acrylic on Wood Panel.  8" x 8"  (bidding starts at $90)
2. "Untitled," 2019.  Acrylic on Canvas.  12" x 16" (bidding starts at $180)
3. "Like standing on the edge of a cliff," 2020.  14" x 12"  (bidding starts at $150)

New Systems Annual Community Exhibition and Auction provides funding for all of NSE's programming expenses for the following year.  They will also be donating 10% of Laundry Day Proceeds to the Preble Street Resource Center.  My three pieces will be a part of both the online auction and the in person exhibition.  

In person Viewing Hours: 

Friday Dec 3rd 6-9pm - Exhibition Reception

Saturday Dec 4th and Sunday Dec 5th 2-5pm  
 

Bidding begins Sunday November 28th at 5pm thru Sunday December 5th at 9:30pm. 
For Auction info please visit NewSystemExhibitions.com/LaundryDay3

Please visit, support and spread the word!  

Thank you for your endless support!  I hope you enjoyed this image filled newsletter.  I've been making 5" x 5" watercolor paintings, thinking about the openings in the trees, layered leaves, colors, and sky.  I've been continuing my pursuit of the new work surface that the Coarse Pumice Gel allows.  And, I'm hoping to get through a few more paintings before the end of the year.  

Oh!  I also am nearing the end of my second class, History and Theory of Drawing with NYC Crit Club and it's been so inspiring, and fueling this most recent round of work.  I'm so grateful for this program and how it affects my work---always for the good.  

Lastly....

As y'all embark (or not embark) on the "Black Friday" or "Small Business Saturday" madness, consider visiting my shop to support my art practice!  

Since you are a LOYAL Newsletter Reader,

I am offering ~20% off~ items in my shop

with the code: WELOVEART
(code expires next Friday December 3rd)

THANK YOU SO MUCH <3 

love, raquel