Varvara Harmon, a Windham local originally hailing from Russia, is an internationally guilded painter who is now showing new work at Harvest Gold Gallery. An accomplished artist who works in watercolor, acrylic, and oils, Harmon’s art is a favorite of many who stop by Harvest Gold. After a long struggle with immigration and hard work to reach the US, Harmon is now a well respected member of the Maine art scene.

Born and raised in Volzshk, Russia, Harmon began painting in her early childhood, and was later a student at the Volzshk School of Art. After her first years of college, Harmon’s career goals turned briefly from the arts towards earth sciences. She continued on to the Moscow Geological Exploration Academy, where she earned a degree in Geological Studies.After graduation, Harmon worked as a geologist: work that brought her to some of Russia’s most spectacular wildernesses. It was during this time that Harmon returned to painting landscapes.

Harmon immigrated to the United States in 2001, where she moved to Windham, Maine. For Harmon the immigration process was long and difficult, and she worked tirelessly to make her dream of living in New England a reality. Attracted to the beautiful scenery and the way of life here in Maine, Harmon has been a very active member of the both the Maine art scene and the outdoors hiking and conservation communities.

From her initial photo, as seen above

Transformed into a beautiful painting

New England, especially Maine, is a place whose lands, lakes, coasts, and people have inspired many of Harmon’s recent paintings. While the majority of her work is done in oil, Harmon also is skilled in acrylic, watercolor, and pencil. And although landscapes are her favorite subject, Harmon also does portraits, commissioned works, geological illustrations, and perspective views of architectural designs. Harmon is an internationally praised and awarded artist, and is a member of the International Guild of Realism.

Come see Varvara work her magic and paint Plein Air, this Saturday July 28th from 10am-5pm at Harvest Gold Gallery!