FREEPORT – The Freeport Community Library is hosting Freeport artist Janet Lawrence’s first exhibit during August.

Lawrence, who has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, is showing her watercolors and graphite drawings.

An Ohio native, Lawrence moved to Florida as a teenager. There, she married Henry “Chip” Lawrence, who flew helicopters for the Navy, in 1985. They have three children.

Lawrence, 49, began taking drawing and painting classes in 1985. The Lawrences moved to Freeport 11 years ago to run a bed and breakfast, which they subsequently sold. She now works at L.L. Bean, where she does monograms.

Lawrence took some time recently to answer some questions about her art for the Tri-Town Weekly.

Q: What do you like about the medium of watercolor?

A: I find painting with watercolor more challenging and versatile than any other medium. The process of mixing and consistency can either be planned or spontaneous, creating the element of surprise when dry. I also love painting with watercolor because I can use pen and ink, gouache or other media to achieve my visions.

Q: Tell us about your background as an artist, when it began and how?

A: As a child, I began drawing the cartoons I watched on TV. I constantly sketched people or things around me. After graduating high school I pursued an art degree at Daytona Beach Community College. I transferred to the University of North Florida, in Jacksonville where I received my bachelors of fine arts degree. Throughout my life, I have always loved the arts, whether it be drawing, sculpting or painting. I love to create.

Q: Are you inspired by your surroundings in the mid coast of Maine?

A: Living in Maine has inspired me to paint even more. My family and I have only lived here for 11 years, but I constantly find myself drawn to Maine’s beautiful landscapes with intentions of capturing the moment in paint.

Q: What is your favorite subject materials and why?

A: My favorite subject is nature. I love the colors, tranquility and seeing new inspiring places.

Q: What other outlets do you have for your art? Is it sold locally?

A: I have entered my work in a few student art shows, and sold a couple of my paintings to friends. Other than that, I paint at home and try to further educate myself by taking painting classes and reading up on various new techniques.

Q: How often do you paint?

A: I try to paint at least four hours a week. My time is divided between family and my full-time job.

Q: What inspires you?

A: I owe my supporting husband and friends for my endless motivation and inspiration. Without them I couldn’t have come this far.

Janet Lawrence of Freeport with some of her paintings, which are now on exhibit at the Freeport Community Library.