Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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259 CONTACT Joan Gessner 3 E. Greenwood St. Amesbury 978-388-3348 gessner-fine-art- studio.com Jeff Weaver 16 Rogers St. Gloucester 978-590-2979 jeffweaverfineart.com Melody Phaneuf 3 Centennial Ave. Gloucester 617-236-4322 melodytheartist.com Mary Rose O'Connell Whistler House Museum Studio 243 Worthen St. Lowell 978-452-7641 oconnellfineart.com which time the instructor told her she would never be a watercolor- ist, and that she should stick to oils. Five years later, she won Best in Show at a World's Fair. "I just wanted to do it," she says doggedly. Today, despite that discourage- ment, she is an extremely accom- plished watercolorist. "I can make watercolors dance better than any- body I know," she says proudly. "I understand that watercolor [paint- ing] is highly technical…To me, it's not a mystery, but for my students it is, because they don't know what is going to happen." During a brief demonstration using the newly adopted alcohol inks, she describes them as excep- tionally exciting for their vibrancy, spontaneity, and ability to sur- prise. "You live on the edge when you do this," she says delightedly. After decades of working in every conceivable medium, she thrills at something new—something very few people know anything about. "I go in with an idea, but the paper decides what it's going to do." She finds that instant gratification and element of surprise very therapeu- tic and recommends it as a way to relieve stress. After so many years—and so many seasons—spent exploring the fine art of painting, Joan Gessner has this to say: "Of all the seasons, I suppose I like winter the best. I love how snow will move in waves, and then reflect the sky and the light and the trees around it. The blues and the pinks and the pur- ples, and the tint of brown from a tree—all of that. I am always after that soulfulness." Above, Woodsom Farm Left, Red Boat