PHOTOS: Art Enthusiasts Flock to Barn Gallery for Insightful Artist Talk with Lennie Mullaney | Ogunquit Art Association

On Thursday, June 13th, art lovers gathered at Barn Gallery for an inspiring evening as artist Lennie Mullaney took center stage for a captivating Artist Talk moderated by Ogunquit Art Association (OAA) President, John Andrews. The event, part of the OAA’s Opening Art Exhibitions Showcase, offered attendees a rare opportunity to gain an intimate glimpse into the creative process of this accomplished artist.

Held at Barn Gallery in Ogunquit, Maine, the Artist Talk drew a large crowd of eager art enthusiasts. The audience was keen to connect with Mullaney and discover the stories, inspiration, and processes behind her work. The event was free of charge, as are all Barn Gallery talks, providing a welcoming space for the community to engage with artists on a personal level.

Lennie Mullaney, both an artist and a teacher, is known for her “en plein air” work, a style that involves painting outdoors and capturing the natural environment. As an observational artist, Mullaney’s “painterly” style aims to simplify the observed world into shape, color, and value.

A member of several prestigious art associations, including the Ogunquit Art Association — PLUS the NH Art Association, NH Plein Air Artists Association, and NHMade, Mullaney’s work has been widely exhibited. She holds an MFA in Painting from the University of New Hampshire and a MS in Art Education from Central Connecticut State University. Her studies have also taken her to Italy, enriching her artistic journey with international influences.

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Photos of the Barn Gallery Talk with Lennie Mullaney (by OAA Artist Member, Deidre O’Flaherty)

Additional Information

During her talk at the Barn Gallery, artist Lennie Mullaney introduced her showcase, “A Plein Air Walkabout,” by sharing the inspiration and concept behind her work. She spoke passionately about her lifelong love of the outdoors, a passion that began in her childhood when she would escape to the forests, climb trees, and explore nature’s hidden corners. This deep connection to the natural world profoundly influences her plein air paintings, where she captures the beauty found in diverse settings—from mountains and town squares to oceans and even junkyards. Mullaney emphasized her fascination with the effects of light on shape, color, value, and edges, noting the magic of cool morning light and golden evening hues.

As an alla prima painter, she creates large studio pieces based on studies done in the field, as well as interiors and still life setups during the winter. She described her current preference for oils on linen, canvas, or wood panels, using a limited palette to achieve better color harmony. Mullaney highlighted the importance of values in painting, constantly comparing light to dark, warm to cool, and the interplay of edges.

Mullaney shared how “A Plein Air Walkabout” represents her recent artistic journey, showcasing her work from New England and her travels to Italy and Ireland. She reflected on how this showcase allows her to review her progress, learn from feedback, and push the boundaries of her art. For Mullaney, art should evoke mystery and invite viewers to embark on their own walkabout, leaving space for personal interpretation and discovery.

After the talk, Lennie Mullaney remarked, “Thank you for all my friends, supporters and art lovers who came to my artist talk at Barn Gallery last night. Thanks also to the Barn Gallery directors, members, and John who interviewed me. You are all appreciated.”

The Barn Gallery Artist Talk series continues to be a cornerstone of the Ogunquit Art Association’s efforts to foster a vibrant artistic community. By providing free access to these events, the association ensures that art remains accessible to all, nurturing a love for creativity and dialogue between artists and the public.

Learn more at lenniemullaney.com