The Gold/Smith Gallery's new show features the works of Maine watercolor artists Consuelo Eames Hanks and Ted Hanks. Some of Ted Hanks' carved shore birds are included in a show that exhibits their attention to detail and fondness for classic romance subjects — the sea, sailboats, ships, lighthouses and nature.

Consuelo Eames Hanks is one of many talented and celebrated artists in the Eames family. The artist spent hours in father John Heagan Eames' studio while he worked on his etchings. As you look at her watercolor paintings, the detail and intricacy she of her subjects is similar to the attention to detail needed in etchings and pen and ink drawings.

Eames Hanks is a Boothbay Harbor native whose love of the sea and sailing was ingrained early aboard her parent's 12-foot sailboat. She sailed and her mother, Muriel, read aloud.

She and her husband, it would seem, were destined to create and sail together. Ted Hanks was brought up on sailing along Maryland's eastern shore. He was also learning the ins and outs of carving as taught by his grandfather Ed Parsons, a decoy carver of some renown. Today, at age 93, he is still carving miniature Canada geese.

The couple sailed and traveled, before their meeting and long after, planting scenes and experiencing adventures that would eventually make it to canvas.

Although Eames Hanks painted now and then throughout her early life, it was Ted Hanks, her second husband, who really got her painting.

And we can all be grateful he did because this lady's talent flows like India ink.

In “Heading Out,” lobstermen from Tenant's Harbor set off to haul some lobster pots for dinner. Eames Hanks describes it as a hot day, a hazy day. This reviewer liked this one very much; I’m partial to the atmosphere haze fog, and the ocean produce: mystery and romance.

“Here She Comes” is another favorite. A majestic schooner is making its way around an elegant rock formation under an ominous cloud-filled sky. The water glistens where the sun, has managed to break through. The detail to the water and sky; the brush strokes make the water come alive and in the sky the brush work and color are a delightful moody mix.

Eames Hanks said she has done some plein art painting, but the challenges presented by nature (changes in light and flying creatures) prevented her from fully embracing it.

“I prefer to work in the studio,” Eames Hanks said. “I've used oils, but I prefer watercolor; I guess I like the challenge of the watercolors and their luminosity.”

Ted Hanks watercolors in this show are sea scenes, both calm and turbulent, ships and geese.

In “Seeking Shelter on Monhegan,” the passengers seen aboard the ship are in a bit of a pickle. The sky is menacing shadow, the turbulent sea reaches up and over spilling onto the deck. The two crew members seen in the far left and far right are taking down a sail as the shoreline of Monhegan looms ever closer. The murky depths of the sea, working with the shadowed sky traps the crew between the proverbial rock and a hard place — literally and figuratively.

Ted Hanks’ carved birds appear poised for conversation, showing off the detailed work of their feathers. The Avocet is whimsical in its appearance with sword-like beak and turquoise stilt legs.

Several friends and family members, including Eames Hanks’ granddaughter Autumn Straw, and her daughter Pebble Kelsey (Autumn's mother), cousin Dwight's wife Jane, other area artists, and many others attended the reception/birthday bash for Eames Hanks.

Gallery owner Karen Vander and her husband, artist John Vander, had three decorated cakes ready to serve following the artist's happy birthday serenade.

The Hanks' show runs through June 30. Gold/Smith Gallery is located at 41 Commercial Street in Boothbay Harbor. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 207-633-6252.

See a YouTube video of Consuelo Eames Hanks talking about her painting, “Thread of Life — Dragon Rock” at the reception that accompanies this story at www.boothbayregister.com. A photo gallery of the artwork will also be found there.