Former professional marine photographer Diane Beeston took up painting after she moved to Astoria in 1988. Her paintings have become more and more abstract, and colorful, over the years since, as seen in her acrylic painting "Ice House.' Submitted photo

The Hotel Elliott will host an exhibit of paintings by local artist Diane Beeston in The Crabernet Room, with an opening reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 8, during Arts Night Out. Meet the artist and enjoy live music and refreshments. The artwork will remain on display through March.

For more than 30 years, Beeston was a successful marine photographer in San Francisco, known for capturing the thrill of yachting. Her photos appeared on the covers of yachting magazines worldwide. In 1972, she published a book about yacht racing, “Wind, Fog and Sail.”

In 1988, she moved to Astoria, where the fabulous scenery and creative community of artists inspired her to paint. As a self-taught artist, her earlier paintings were almost photographic in nature, but over the years she has evolved a more colorful, abstract style inspired by such artists as Derain, Van Gogh and Matisse. Today, she is known around the region for her bold, vibrantly colored acrylic paintings of North Coast landscapes, expressive figures and, of course, boats.

The Hotel Elliott is located at 357 12th St. For more information, call (503) 325-2222 or visit www.hotelelliott.com

If you have ever wondered how a goldsmith creates that beautiful piece of jewelry, you can get a close look during Arts Night Out at Holly McHone Jewelry. Holly McHone will be onsite carving a jewelry design by hand out of wax to be cast into gold.

Stop by the shop from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 8. There will be examples from each step of the carving process, including some waxes carved by a Computer Aided Design system. See the artistic process in action. There will also be refreshments.

Holly McHone Jewelry is located at 1150 Commercial St. For more information, call (503) 325-8029.