Belfast, Maine & Beyond

Celene Farris

Artist Statement   

"I am a representational artist working in oils.  I am drawn to still life paintings that mirror the Chiaroscuro effects of sharp tonal contrasts, deep rich colors, simple arrangements and an old-world feeling.  This style of painting requires a slow, studied approach and to me, it's like listening to quiet, deeply moving music.

My landscape paintings take on a more impressionistic appearance.  In plein air work, time is of the essence.  Quick decisions, accurate color interpretations and lively brushwork are required.  Working with a limited palette, I try to capture the light and mood of a special moment in time, hoping the result is a painting that is expressive and full of emotion.  I try to maintain that spontaneous effect with my studio landscape paintings.

Whichever method I choose, I hope that my paintings reflect the quiet beauty I see all around me.

I am extremely pleased to be chosen as one of the top artists in Waldo County, Maine, by the Republican Journal’s “Best of the Best” People’s Choice Awards for the last four years.  It is an honor I will always treasure.  I sincerely thank all those who made this possible."

About

Celene has been voted one of the best artists in Waldo County, Maine, by the Republican Journal’s “Best of the Best" People’s Choice Awards every year since 2008.  She shares her love of painting by teaching classes in her studio.  Her work can be seen at her gallery in Belfast and at other galleries across the country and on her website.

Her still life paintings mirror the old world influences of the Chiaroscuro style of painting with strong lights, dark shadows and saturated colors, especially in her paintings with old brass, copper and transparent glass.  She is also an avid plein air painter and a member of The Plein Air Painters of Maine.

In January 1999, Celene and two other Maine artists established The Working Art Gallery in Belfast, Maine. The name was chosen because the three artists maintained their studios at the gallery.  Visitors were encouraged to watch and ask questions.  Celene served as general manager as well as a participating artist and taught art classes at the gallery.

When the local newspaper began its “Best of the Best” People’s Choice Awards Competition in 2007, the gallery was voted the top art gallery in Waldo County, Maine and continued to receive recognition each subsequent year. The gallery celebrated 15 years in Belfast and retired in September 2014.  Celene has also retired from the day-to-day operations and can now devote more time to her art and teaching.

Celene, a retired health care professional, grew up in Manchester, a small town in Connecticut. The surrounding farms and rolling hills instilled in her a love of nature and an appreciation of simpler times. A Maine resident for more than 40 years, Celene and her husband reside on their farm in Morrill and today she’s still painting, teaching and exhibiting.

Her quiet life is reflected in her paintings.