BATH

Starting Aug. 11, the Chocolate Church Arts Gallery in Bath is hosting an exhibit titled “New Perspectives,” which features formerly married Maine artists John Gable and Anne Gable Allaire. The exhibit combines Gable’s style of contemporary realist paintings and murals and Allaire’s realistic and impressionist pastel work. The combination, according to Chocolate Church executive director Jennifer DeChant, is sure to be intriguing.

“It’s going to be one of the finer combinations that we’ve seen in the gallery,” said DeChant. “Their styles are different, but complementary. This is our first showcase of these two artists, and we’re excited.”

Gable — who has based many of his works on Bath and has a painting hanging in the Maine Maritime Museum — works primarily in acrylic on canvas, with his hallmark being his extensive breadth of subject matter and his vivid use of color, light and detail. His perspectives remain rooted firmly in realty, however.

“Gable is very much a realist,” said DeChant. “He’s done many murals on cars, and one of his biggest centerpieces is called ‘Nightshift,’ which shows workers changing shifts at Bath Iron Works.”

Gable was commissioned by the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan to produce a 65-foot mural on the history of the automobile. He has since been recognized as a master painter of classic automobiles. Other highlights include paintings detailing sailing and boating, the Boston Classical Orchestra, and the history of duck hunting on the Chesapeake. His works can be found in museums, universities and corporations across the country.

“There are parts of us that want to take the road less travelled,” said Gable. “I think a lot of my work is about that road.”

Anne Gable Allaire is a master pastelist who uses detail and delicate strokes to define her work.

“Anne paints experiences found in the natural world with water colors,” said DeChant, stressing that Allaire’s style “captures the natural environment perfectly.”

“Pastel is the oldest, most durable and direct medium and I love its versatility,” said Allaire, who is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America. “It can be used with much spontaneity or with attention to precise detail. For me, using pastel is like drawing and painting at the same time.”

Her work is shown in national and international exhibitions, and she has garnered multiple awards.

DeChant points to exhibit curator Claudette Gamache as the driving force that brought both Gable and Allaire together. Gamache runs Bath’s art walk and is an accomplished pastel painter in her own right.

“We were in a pickle about our summer gallery this year, and Claudette was able to connect with a colleague of hers and bring us two local artists who combine well together,” said DeChant. “(Gamache) is an art therapist by trade and runs a gallery out of her home. She’s very accomplished in this community.” Since Gable frequents Bath and lives on the water in Woolwich, and Allaire hails from Kennebunkport, they fit in nicely with Gamache’s vision. DeChant is thankful for that.

“While (Gable) sells his work nationally, he is masterful in capturing the local texture of our community,” said DeChant. “The same can be said for Anne, with the natural environmental side of things.”

“New Perspectives” runs from Aug. 11 to Sept. 19 at the Chocolate Church Arts Gallery, located at 804 Washington St. in downtown Bath. Gallery hours are 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. and Friday from noon to 4 p.m. The gallery is open until 7 p.m. on Aug. 19 and Sept. 16.

bgoodridge@timesrecord.com