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The Portland Art Gallery held its monthly show on the weekend of August 6th, 2022. J Rodney Dennis’s latest work was debuted among other featured artists Ann Sklar, Jean Hack, and Eric Hopkins.   The newly finished piece, ‘A Different Kind of Beauty’, made its debut appearance, as did ‘I Call Her Yvette’.   “This series is spotlighting women of color, and it’s a snapshot of them in a manner that they’re not usually seen,” he tells Portland Art Gallery. “It’s an effort to refine a narrative regarding women of color to capture introspection and to draw out a hidden beauty.”   Dennis calls his latest series [...]

“This series is spotlighting women of color, and it's a snapshot of them in a manner that they're not usually seen,” he says. “It's an effort to refine a narrative regarding women of color to capture introspection and to draw out a hidden beauty.” The paintings show women as they go about preparation for their day, Dennis says. One of nine children who has five older sisters, he is well acquainted with the patterns and rituals of women getting ready in the morning. [...]

Dr. Lisa Belisle: Hello. I'm Dr. Lisa Belisle and you are listening to, or watching, Radio Maine. Today. I have with me, artist, Rodney Dennis. Thanks so much for coming in today. Rodney Dennis: Thank you. Dr. Lisa Belisle: You made a huge commitment to come be part of our show. I feel very honored. Rodney Dennis: Oh, I appreciate that. The honor is ours. Dr. Lisa Belisle: You traveled from Washington DC, correct? How did you find your journey? Rodney Dennis: It was a flight. I guess I’m used to flying so much that yes, we jumped on a flight and we worked it out [...]

Maine. I've only in recent years have become acquainted with Maine. Primarily a result of my continued academic education in representational art in Boston.   Inspiration. I tend to look at "art" as a vehicle to meet an objective-based upon a responsibility to communicate. This is my belief about image-making.   Medium. I have been trained in the use of oil paint from an early age.   Artist Hero. Caravaggio, and Henry Tanner.   Studio. I currently have a 10 x 10 space, where the lighting is both natural and artificial. I use two easels.   Education. I have received private training from the age of 14. I have attended three [...]