N.H. Art Association artist Rita Pomerleau at The Art Center in Dover, NH

Dover, New Hampshire – Now on exhibition at The Art Center is To The Sea— a combination of tranquil and lively New England scenery. Based in Elliot, ME, Pomerleau paints with true fascination for the world around her.

Pomerleau began painting in 2015 after receiving an old pochade box from her father, the accomplished watercolor artist Primo Poligni. For the non-artists reading, pochade boxes are compact boxes that hold paint, water, and paper or canvas for easy painting on the go. Inspired by his talent, the artist started painting classes with many different local painters, where she learned the basics of color theory and composition. She quickly fell in love with painting en plein air and exploring the New England coast. The collection is a mixture of studio and outdoor work, showcasing scenes from the artist's travels to Fort Foster, Portsmouth, Ogunquit, Monhegan, and Bar Harbor with an emphasis on the interplay between light and shadow, and the subtle nuances of color.

The paintings capture the beauty and essence of these locations, from the crashing waves of Fort Foster to the charming docks of Portsmouth. "The light and subtleties of colors are what inspires me," said the artist. "Sometimes just the shadows on a house or finding the perfect color green is what makes the whole painting. When I go out, I always take pictures. That's what gets me through the winter. I paint often from what I have seen." Pomerleau’s exhibit will run from May 5 to June 30 at The Art Center Dover at 1 Washington St, Suite 1177, Dover NH. A reception will be held on Saturday, June 3rd from 6 pm to 9 pm. The public is welcome to attend. The online gallery can be viewed at nhartassociation.org.