Residents and visitors of the Mystic and Westerly areas are often captivated by the region’s scenic beauty and timeless oceanic charm. The local artist Trisha Gabel, for more than two decades, has found a way to capture the area’s allure and splendor with her paint brush.

Her artwork spills from the area’s water, light and verdant vegetation. Gabel’s work from the past five years will be exhibited at the Tapped Cidery & Winery at 57 High St. in Westerly from Sept.16 to Oct. 20, her first solo exhibit in 10 years.

Gabel used acrylic paint on all her works at the exhibition. Among the 34 pieces on display, and for sale, will be landscapes, florals, still life and abstracts in an array of sizes. She’s had exhibits in much of New England and several in New York; and a tri-state jury show at the Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah, New York.

Gabel was born in London. However, during WWII she was evacuated to Canada and stayed there for six years before returning back to London. In 1959 she married the renowned writer and reporter Dan Gabel. After marriage they decided to re-settle in the USA.

They both continued their careers while raising a family. When their children had grown, and they were nearing retirement, they purchased a home in Westerly.

Gabel’s interest in painting began when she was in boarding school. However her passion for this artistic medium was quelled because all they did was copy what the Old Masters had done before.

When in her twenties and living in New York City, her artistic tendencies re-surfaced. She took art lessons from David Friend, who wrote the book “The Creative Way to Paint.”

“This was where I learned to create from my soul,” Gabel said.

Yet, not long after receiving these inspiring art lessons, she began working full time as the director of publicity for Conran’s, a home furnishing company in New York City. It would not be until she retired in the 1990s when she was able to dedicate more of her time to her artwork.

Gabel asserts that her artistic technique was derived from a combination of the expressionist and abstract styles. Working with these styles has given her the freedom to explore her talent with imagination, exuberance, love of color and intellect.

Gabel said her expressionism was influenced by Pierre Bonnard, Vincent Van Gogh and Henry Matisse. Her abstract pieces are inspired by the works of Warhol, Pollock, and Frakenthaler.

Recently, at 88 years old, she has moved herself and her studio to the Stone Ridge Senior Living Community in Mystic.

The reception for Trisha Gabel’s exhibition will be on Sept. 16 from 6-8 p.m at Tapped.

Steven Birt lives in Mystic.

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