EXETER — "My love of drawing and painting has been reactivated since retiring in 2007, with primary interests in painting En Plein Air as well as hand-building and sculpturing ceramics,” says Suzanne Manzi of Seabrook Beach about her Body of Work show “My Art Journey with Iconic Places” opening on July 31 at the Seacoast Artist Association in downtown Exeter. “Many of my paintings are about nature, landscapes and seascapes done in either oil or watercolors. Painting is a continuous learning and satisfying part of my journey as an artist. Participating with a group of other artists at locations of interest brings even more joy to the experience of painting En Plein Air. Living in the seacoast area of N.H. and Florida provides many opportunities for me to explore and develop further in my personal art journey.”
The SAA features two Body of Work shows each month, and the other one in August is “Reflections” by SAA Board President Dave Turbide of Rye. Turbide started painting with watercolors when he was about 60 and learned much about painting from Doris Rice’s watercolor workshops at SAA. A week-long intensive class with Todd Bonita in 2019 added oils to Turbide’s repertoire. The transition to acrylics occurred naturally from there. “I grew up in a seaport town and have always loved the sights and sounds found near the water – boats, the clang of rigging against the mast, piers and jetties, fishing shacks, reflections on the water, seagulls, lighthouses. This show emphasizes the reflections. Most of my recent work is in acrylics, but you may also find a few oils and maybe even some watercolors illustrating how reflections on the water have been a sort of obsession throughout my artistic journey from watercolor through oils to acrylics with the occasional side-trip into graphite, colored pencil, and other media. Having been a photographer since age 10, I always take many photos wherever I go, and I paint from these photographs.”
The August theme show “By the Sea” is one of the SAA’s most popular every year. This is the perfect time to purchase affordable seacoast scenes as souvenirs or as gifts. All local artists are welcome to participate in theme shows. See seacoastartist.org for rules and future dates. In September they will feature their scholarship fundraiser “Mystery Kits” show. These kits sell out every year and there are still some left for those who want to participate.
The public is invited to a Second Friday artist reception on Aug. 9 to meet the artists and enjoy refreshments while shopping for art. Music will be provided by Ben Baldwin and Kent Allyn of the legendary Ben Baldwin and the Big Note. Admission is free and donations are appreciated. These shows all close on Aug. 31.
The Seacoast Artist Association is located at 130 Water St., in historic downtown Exeter. Parking is free. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. You can call 603-778-8856 during open hours and find more info at seacoastartist.org and on Facebook and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter Gallery features Seacoast scenes in August
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