Penobscot Bay Pilot caught up with artist Jack McKenney of the eponymously named gallery in the heart of Camden. Tucked down in the alleyway at 4 Public Landing bordering the new Sea Dog Brewery, Jack could be found working in his snug glass-enclosed gallery on a new piece — a waterscape of deep, dramatic blues, which is somewhat of a departure from his other abstract works.

Born and raised in New England, he and his partner left New York City three years ago and settled down in Camden where he currently lives and paints. Last fall, he had a showing at Unity College in a series called “The Littoral Zone,” an interpretation of the first layer of the ocean.

What was your former career before becoming a painter?

I worked for a company that bought brands in the fashion industry where we rebranded the business and took it to a new level and audience, such as Halston and Bill Blass. And you'll probably remember Ellen Tracy, an '80s — we did a little bit with that one. I used a lot of color when working for that company and it translated to painting for myself.

What brought you from NYC to this area?

I grew up on the coast of New Hampshire so I’ve always been connected to the ocean. When we were trying to figure out where to land, we’d visited the Midcoast several times and we really wanted to be part of this community. We didn’t know anyone, but we knew this place has a lot going on, culturally.

What kind of light do you get in this little studio and how does that inspire your work?

I work year-round so in the wintertime, I’ll be sitting down to work with a cup of coffee and the light slants very low across the sky, but by the end of the day, I still have light that wraps around the entire studio. Right now, I have a series of abstracts inspired by the seasons called Harbor Docks. I think my strengths lie in the boldness of color. It all depends on the time of year, but what I take away from the ocean, the harbor, the docks and the boats, is what you see on the canvas.

What’s your process?

First, I always draw out an image on paper. With the drawing, I see exactly where I’m going but, when I mix my own colors, I’ll then start to create, working on oil on linen. I’ll add in layer after layer and it takes on this whole story. It can take about three weeks to a month before a piece is done. I know a lot of painters who say that the piece is never finished, but there’s a certain point when it’s finished for me.

With all of the hustle and bustle on Main Street, it’s easy to miss Jack McKenney’s little studio off the beaten path in the alleyway. But regardless of the season, when you’ll walk in, the crowds will fall away and you’ll see all of the colors that make the studio a serene place to spend a few minutes. Check out his work at: jack-mckenney.com

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com