Ron Weaver fell in love with Maine over thirty years ago when he came to manage an inn during the summer while working on his Master’s Degree at Yale University.
He kept returning and decided to buy a piece of land from a small New Harbor farmstead. His summer beginnings were humble – tenting for shelter by night, working seasonal side jobs by day and painting in all of his spare time. Ron may be humble but his talent and resume are impressive. He is a retired Professor of Art with most of his teaching years spent at the University of Wisconsin. He met his wife Barbara there – a former student turned love story sort of tale. Barbara also shares Ron’s passion for painting. In fact, most of their time in Maine is spent doing just that. They do not tent out anymore – well, Barbara never did. You see, many years ago, Ron saw a for sale sign for a chicken barn. How much did he pay? $1. Yup, that’s right. He said he spent more money moving the barn than he did buying it or buying the land. His barn is now their studio, what Ron calls a work in progress. I would call it a master piece. Ron and Barbara spend their winters in Arizona near their grandchildren.
One of Barbara’s flower gardens near the studio
Ron set out some of his paintings for me to enjoy. This is of a local swimming hole. How can you not love his work?
Ron and Barbara Weaver, painters from New Harbor. Barbara is holding up a painting Ron did of the previous land owner.
Here is the painting again as I enter the studio.
The food Barbara has prepared as they graciously welcome me into their studio, also known as the former chicken barn.
A painting of Ron’s daughter and granddaughters in Camden Village.
A piece on which Barbara was working.
Barbara’s inspiration for…
The conversation with the Weavers was sweet. It was as easy to fall in love with them as their art.
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