Maine Artists

Andrea Peters' painting graces L.L.Bean catalog cover

Mon, 02/03/2014 - 8:15pm

You've received your spring 2014 L.L.Bean catalog in the mail.

The image on the cover looks to be a bold and colorful painting.

If you found yourself thinking there was something familiar about the style and use of color … you were right!

The cover, originally an oil painted on a 30 by 40-inch birch panel, titled “Spring on the Coast” was created at Ocean Point last summer by East Boothbay artist Andrea Peters.

Peters, who has been painting for 50 years, learned one of her paintings had been chosen last fall, but had been sworn to secrecy.

The painting was submitted by Marty and Dennis Gleason, of Gleason Fine Art, where Peters exhibits some of her work.

According to Marty Gleason, the catalog's creative director visits galleries and gallery websites in search of possible covers. The Gleasons have submitted art in the past, but this is the first time one of “their” artists was chosen.

“We're very pleased and happy for Andrea,” Dennis Gleason said. “She works very hard and deserves the credit. As a result of the cover, we've had some inquiries about her work.”

“It's very exciting; I just got mine,” Peters said in a phone interview. “It's only 1/3 of the painting; what you see is just about the center of the piece. I guess they crop paintings to get the most impact in a small area. It really does look great!”

Peters had already received high praise for her cover painting before her own catalog even arrived. A California resident was so impressed that they called Gleason Fine Art to say so. In fact, if you visit L.L.Bean's Facebook page, you will find hundreds of comments from, “One of the nicest catalog covers,” and “Beautiful!” to “I'm so glad you're using Maine images again.”

“They wanted something that said 'Maine' and that was 'bright and springy,'” Marty Gleason said. “I think it's a knock out!”

The upshot has been two-fold; the selection of Peters' work is gaining new attention for artist and gallery.

Peters started out as an impressionist some 50 years ago, but over the past few years has begun morphed into more of a contemporary style. She cites the works of Janet Fish and Karl Schrag as examples of some work she finds compelling.

Still, Peters is drawn to landscapes, make that pristine landscapes, that capture her imagination and delight her spirit.

“I prefer all natural landscapes, free of any manmade elements,” Peters said. “I enjoy the natural environment.”

Some of Peters' snow landscapes were included in a show called, “A Little Snow,” that just ended January 11 at the Craig Krull Gallery in Santa Monica, Calif.

To see more of Peters' art, visit www.gleasonfineart.com or www.andreapetersart.com.