Harvest Gold Gallery is thrilled to present this week’s featured artist, Doug Houle! Doug Houle lives in Augusta, Maine and has been establishing his art work around the area for several years. Doug will be painting plein air on Saturday, August 14th to exhibit his skills and feel inspired by the wonderful view from the gallery. All are welcome to join us at Harvest Gold Gallery on August 14th, whether an experienced painter or just an art admirer. 

Doug Houle was born in Manchester, Connecticut and attended Plymouth State College, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting in 1998. After college, Doug participated in art shows in Vermont for a few years before relocating to New Hampshire, and ultimately landing in Augusta, Maine where he has been for the past 25 years.  

Doug Houle’s art style has always focused on painting New England's buildings and landscapes, creating dramatic images of these ordinary buildings using light and color. “Through my painting I have chosen to highlight the architecture of small town New England. I am drawn to the charm and nostalgia around old homes and barns, store fronts, and light houses. Whether the places are frequently visited or passed by, they surround a town’s people, giving recognition to the historical relevance they have in our communities.”

Doug explains that “[He likes] to create a mood in my paintings that will remind you of a time gone by, and light and color are crucial for these pieces. Working primarily in oils, I leave the underlayer of my painting showing through the planes and edges, which helps to develop a level of interest in the surrounding work.  Objects absorb and reflect all sorts of color and how that is manipulated impacts the mood. The light that each color creates is there to invite you. I want you to live in every one of these rooms, within each window, and behind every possible door.”

Don’t miss out on the chance to observe Doug Houle’s creative process on Saturday, August 14th. Check out more of his work here.