GARDINER — “Impressions from Nature in Beeswax,” a show of works by Ann Rhinehardt of Vassalboro, is scheduled to be on view Friday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Dec. 24, at the Monkitree, 263 Water St.

Rhinehardt’s paintings are a visual expression of her love of nature, exploring organic forms through color, shape, light and shadow. Working in encaustic, a beeswax-based medium, she creates loosely defined landscapes and abstracts.

By adding layer upon layer of wax to each painting, she creates a visual story guided by her emotional and spiritual reactions to the world around her. Vibrant colors peek through the many layers, while other colors play off each other, as she works to convey the atmosphere of that painting.

On the medium, she explains, “The nature of encaustic paint allows me to manipulate the surface by building texture, carving into the beeswax, embedding various items or maintaining a glasslike finish. Many of my paintings have 30 or more layers, hinting at depth and complexity that is found when one looks beyond the surface. My intent is to engage all your senses when you experience my work, taking you on a journey into my world,” according to a news release from the gallery.

From a young age, Rhinehardt has loved nature and drawing. This led her to pursue both art and biology as a student at Colby College. She took a life drawing class while in graduate school and came to the realization that she wanted to pursue a career as an artist.

Monkitree regular shop hours during November are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Monkitree is open in December seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, call the gallery at 207-512-4679.

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