Inspired by the tranquil, sensory experience of summer warmth and light – a fleeting season for New Englanders – Christine Blain’s work demonstrates her desire to capture the quietude and beauty of the moment.  “There are certain impressions in my memory that I feel compelled to explore in my work. These are vibrant memories of childhood summers spent at the lakes, pools, and rocky beaches of New England. They fill my senses with the smell of salty air, the warm sun on my face, the faraway cries of seagulls or the hum of summer insects.”

One of her current bodies of work, the Swimmers Series, focuses as much on the abstract quality of the sun-drenched water as it does on the beauty of the figure.  “I have always been fascinated by the beauty of sunlight on water and the way light refracts and scatters colors beneath the surface.  This interesting phenomenon produces dynamic movement of beautiful, abstract shapes that is both a challenge and joy to paint.”   So far, her three sisters are her models for this series, and the process of painting them evokes the familiar feeling of time spent in female companionship throughout her life. 

Blain is both a professional artist and art educator and is a juried member of the New Hampshire Artists Association. She lives in New Hampshire and has a particular love of the rugged, “Down East” Maine coast, with its rocky cliffs, lobster boats and old fishing villages.

Represented by:

Small Wonder Gallery; Camden, Maine

Education:

Masters in Educational Theory and Practice: Arkansas state University, August of 2018

 Bachelor of Science in Art Education, K-12:  Plymouth State University, December, 2015 

Exhibitions:

  • Creme de la Creme exhibit, at The Art Center, Dover, NH August 2023

  • On a Grand Scale exhibit, NHAA, Postmouth, NH August, 2022

  • 33rd Annual Omer t. Lassonde Exhibit at New Hampshire Art Association4/3 - 4/27 2019

  • All Creatures Great and Small Art Show, (Benefit for Live and Let Live Farm)
    Wild Woman Wellness Center (Chichester, NH) 3/2019

  • NHAA Deck the Walls: Holiday Show, Robert Levy Gallery, Portsmouth, NH 2018

  • New Hampshire Technical Institute Library, Concord, NH: Solo Show, November 2 - December 7, 2017

  • Breaking New Grounds, Portsmouth, NH, NH Watercolorists Show - summer 2017

  • Wet Paint Out Weekend, NHAA Juried Event, Portsmouth, NH - July, 2017

  • "Down by the Sea", Featured Artist of the Month, Meredith Public Library, Meredith, NH, Solo Show - May, 2017

  • "Every Creature Great and Small", Art Benefit for Live and Let Live Farm, Chichester, NH - March, 2017

  • NHAA Member Holiday Show, Portsmouth, NH, Juried Show - December, 2016

  • "Bright Hope and a Future", Silent Art Auction to benefit Destiny Rescue, Derry, NH -April 2016

I believe God gives people an inherent ability to wonder, explore and feel joy in the beauty of his creation. For many, this is most apparent in childhood and then it often gets buried beneath the responsibilities and busyness of adult life. I believe everyone can feel that childlike sense of wonder again by simply taking the time to stop and really notice the beautiful intricacies in the natural world around us. My hope is that my paintings will create opportunities for viewers to do just that.

I thank God for this adventure and privilege of being able to have a connection with others as I share my work.