NH Local Artist

What makes New Hampshire a special place for artists?

New Hampshire's stunning landscapes and rich history offer endless inspiration for artists. The state's iconic Mount Washington, the highest peak in New England, provides a breathtaking backdrop for artists, particularly during the winter's ethereal Alpenglow.

The state's serene lakes, including Winnipesaukee, Newfound, and Chocorua have picturesque settings surrounded by mountains and pine forests. These tranquil waters and stunning views have captivated artists for generations.

The historic coastal city of Portsmouth, home to the charming 18 century colonial town Strawbery Banke, adds another layer of cultural and historical significance.

With its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, New Hampshire is an exceptional place for artists to create and for art lovers to appreciate.

Mount Washington and Fauvism

Fauvism is an early 20th-century art movement that uses bold colors and simplified forms. Fauve paintings are often non-representational, and the artists who created them were more interested in expressing emotion than in creating realistic depictions of the world. Henry Matisse, Andre Derain. Georges Braque, Maurice de Vlaminck and Raoul Dufy were Fauvism painters. These were the painting giants that helped me delve into painting the bright foliage of New England.

The Fauve palette is a great way to capture the beauty of Mount Washington. The mountain's rugged peaks and deep valleys can be rendered in a variety of bright colors, and the Fauve style's emphasis on simplification can help to create a sense of awe and wonder. I especially use hot pink and orange to off set the greens and blues of the New England landscapes. The Fauvism painters used pinks and oranges in their work as well.

Mount Washington Painting influenced by Henry Matisse

The Local New England Art Scene

Buying local art from New England is a great way of helping local artists to sustain and promote the local arts community, contributing to its growth and vitality. Many artist that live in New Hampshire support themselves with being an entrepreneur artist. Vacationers or people who have moved away from the seacoast or the Mount Washington Valley love to buy local landscapes of these places to remind them of how scenic New Hampshire is.

Additionally, buying local art allows you to connect with the local artist and hear their story. New England has a rich artistic history, with its landscapes, traditions, and local narratives often serving as inspiration for artists. In particular, Mount Washington’s breathe taking views are a nostalgic of the what an epic mountain it truly is.

Buying local art supports the local economy. When you purchase artwork from New England artists, you contribute to the financial well-being of the artists themselves, as well as the local galleries, art organizations, and businesses that support and promote their work. This economic support helps to sustain the local arts ecosystem and its positive impact on the community

“Arts and culture are growing contributors to the New Hampshire economy, and that impact is seen locally, with arts/culture in the Seacoast region contributing $70.2 million in spending in 2022, according to a new study”, says the Keene Sentinel paper Jan. 2024.
So, While you are enjoying New England consider being an art collector and bring home a beautiful painting done by a local artist!

PHOTO by @joeklementovich