June 7–July 1, Portland Art Gallery, Opening Reception June 7, 5–7 p.m.

“I take lots of photographs. I take photographs of landscapes and objects in those landscapes, close-ups and distant vistas. I file them in folders and visit them for ideas and inspiration. Learning to pay attention and appreciate the details and nuances of the natural world is possibly the most important thing I have learned as an artist. It is also never-ending.

“I have been thinking about the universal qualities of landscapes—those common characteristics that make one feel like they ‘know’ the place and that it speaks to them of something deep and complex, something familiar and yet mysterious. I am interested in the lines and shapes that repeat in nature and cause an intense personal response, sometimes conscious, sometimes not, but that when painted evoke a strong emotional connection with the viewer.”

A Philadelphia native, Ann Sklar studied art at Temple University and at Beaver College (now Arcadia University) in Glenside, Pennsylvania. She also learned jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Sklar co-owned and cofounded two galleries in Philadelphia, one specializing in contemporary American craft, the other a women’s cooperative. Since 2005 the painter has divided her time between Florida and Maine, showing her work extensively in both states.

To view the entire show, please visit artcollectormaine.com or contact Emma Wilson at [email protected]