A Solo Journey Through Maine's Landscapes with Charles Nowell

The Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF) is thrilled to announce a compelling solo exhibition by local Boothbay artist, Charles Nowell. Head over to BRAF's Gallery One to experience a captivating collection of his latest works, which will be on view from July 23rd until August 24th, 2025.

"Boothbay Harbor Sunset," Oil by Charles Nowell

Born in Groveland, Massachusetts, in 1966, Charles Nowell's artistic journey began at an early age. He picked up a brush and pencil at ten, starting lessons with artist Scott Jackson, a mentorship that continued throughout his high school years.

After graduating, Nowell sought out Paul Ingbretson, a Boston school artist whose atelier specialized in the academic training traditions of the 19th-century French Academy. Here, Nowell honed his skills in figure drawing and still-life painting, returning home each summer to continue his landscape studies with Scott Jackson.

A pivotal moment arrived in the summer of 1989 when Jackson introduced him to Sidney Willis, an artist renowned for his vibrant still-life work. Willis became a significant influence, inspiring Nowell to embrace a more colorful palette and an impressionistic approach to his painting.

That same summer marked the launch of Nowell’s professional art career. At just 23, he was accepted by the Enrico Donati Gallery in Newburyport, MA, making a living from his still-lifes and landscapes. His work quickly gained recognition, leading to representation at the Peel Gallery in Vermont, Blue Heron Gallery on Cape Cod, and J. Todd Galleries in Wellesley, MA.

In 1993, the Blue Heron Gallery hosted his first one-man show, which completely sold out. As his career progressed, galleries encouraged Nowell to focus on his still-life work, which was highly sought after by collectors. He continued to have an annual August show at the Blue Heron until 2018.

By 2019, Nowell felt he had explored the creative limits of still-life. He began to experiment with new painting techniques and shifted his focus to landscape painting. Today, he dedicates his time to capturing the beauty of Maine and New England scenes. Charles and his wife live right here in Boothbay, enjoying their travels throughout the region to discover fresh inspiration for his art.

"Ram Island Light," Oil by Charles Nowell

Nowell shares his drive, stating, "I have a passion for the natural world and a love of the state of Maine. Coastal scenes are a favorite subject for my landscape paintings. Capturing the essence of a sunrise or sunset as it lights up the sky and reflects on the water. The force of a wave as it crashes on the rocks, and the play of sunlight on flowering trees and gardens. These are the things that inspire me to get up and go paint every day.” He adds, “When I am painting, I get lost in the work and find myself in a state of flow. That magical experience when everything else vanishes and you become one with the brush and canvas.”

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to see Charles Nowell's evolution as an artist and immerse yourself in his stunning interpretations of our beloved local landscapes.