Monthly Muse
Welcome to Summer 2026!
“Summer Retreat” pastel painting by Stephanie McQuade
The Colors of
High Summer
July brings a richness of color that feels entirely its own. The landscape settles into deep greens, gardens burst with reds, yellows, pinks, and purples, and lakes reflect a broad summer sky. In the distance, hills often soften beneath a veil of heat and humidity, while evening light warms everything it touches.
For Mike, summer color is often shaped by light. A familiar shoreline can change completely as the sun drops lower, turning blue water to silver, gold, or copper. Haze can soften distant mountains, while reflections add color and movement that may last only a few moments.
Stephanie often responds to summer color more freely. A garden, meadow, or woodland scene may inspire stronger contrasts, unexpected color combinations, or a looser interpretation of what is actually there. Rather than recording every detail, she uses color to capture the warmth, energy, and abundance of the season.
Whether seen through a camera or expressed with paint, the colors of high summer remind us to slow down and notice the landscape at its fullest.
What we are working on
What! No Pictures?
July is the month we start seriously focusing on the annual competition for members of the Lakes Region Art Association. Yes, we knew this event was coming since way last year at this time. And the knowledge of the event and the need for planning never escapes us throughout the preceding ten months. But we are "artists" and other priorities tend to step to the forefront during that long window. In July we see the window starting to close and we focus on finishing up the artworks we hope will win the coveted prizes.
We’d show you what’s being entered, but that might influence the impartial judging. So no pictures until the August Monthly Muse comes out.
We are allowed three submissions total for the exhibit each August. Stephanie is in pretty good shape with two contenders completed and framed. Now the pressure of selecting or generating a third artwork is weighing heavily on her mind, and is competing for preparation for her July watercolor class in Meredith at the League of NH Craftsmen . From what I have witnessed, these two tasks are running neck and neck, fighting for priority and brain cells.
My submissions are another story. In past years I have had selections made and framed by July. That is not the story this year. Schedule and personal responsibility issues have kept me estranged from my camera for most of the year. And since one of the requirements for entry into this annual competition requires new works in the previous twelve months, my pickings are quite limited. To date, and I have one color image waiting to be framed, and a potential contender for the black and white photography category.
No matter the number of submissions we bring, this is always a fun event. It is our only "juried" competition and the only annual event with cash prizes. In recent years, we have both done well, taking home one to three ribbons between the two of us. We hope you can find the time to check out this event that runs from July 31st to August 30th. Or better yet, join us at the Opening Reception on Friday, July 31st, starting at 4:00 pm. By then ribbons will have been placed on corresponding artworks, many of the artists will be available to meet and greet and we'll have light refreshments for all to enjoy.
And don't forget to cast your vote in the People's Choice Award. The jurying judges rate artwork on merit and competence. The visiting public is welcome to vote for their favorite based on desire and the feeling the art brings to them.
86th Annual Members Exhibit at the Lakes Region Art Gallery in the Tanger Outlets, 120 Laconia Road, Suite #300, Tilton, NH. More information is available on their website, www.LakesRegionArtGallery.org/events.
Works in Progress
Unnamed Still Life in Pastel
Unnamed Landscape in Watercolor
Unnamed Still Life in Pastel
Unnamed Pastel painting based on a Sherwood Frazier Photograph
In the Frame Shoppe
I have a few things in the frame shoppe but they are for the LRAA Annual competition and can not be shown until after they are hung in the exhibit in early August. But why wait? Stop by the Lakes Region Art Gallery to check out our submissions as well as those we are competing again.
Lakes Region Art Gallery, 120 Laconia Rd [Tanger Outlets], Tilton, NH