Richard Payette's Jazz Series paintings in black and white on display at UNE

The University of New England hosts a Jazz Series Exhibition in black and white by local artist Richard Payette at the Biddeford Campus Center from February 3 through March 2, 2012.

Payette resides in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where he is the chef and owner of The Landmark Restaurant. Having played jazz flute for enjoyment for a number of years, it seemed a natural flow in his painting to try a series on jazz performers.

Payette has also been interested in working in black and white because it presented a challenge to produce the movement and feel of the performers in the dark and smoky atmosphere of the clubs and achieve the subtle gradations of shadow and texture. Initially, it seemed more difficult for him to achieve the feeling he was looking for, but it soon became apparent that by working in black and white, he was able to pull just as much feeling from the canvas as if he was using full color - less seemed to become more. The initial concept of painting something he loved turned into a series of works that Payette truly enjoyed creating.

This exhibition is free and open to the public. The Campus Center hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Diane Noble at dbmn27@maine.rr.com.