Oil paintings by Sandra Bell will be on exhibit at Gallery 302, Bridgton, from Saturday, May 5, to Friday, June 8.  Her objective in her paintings is to capture the essence of the subject as she sees it, Bell said. She always carries a camera, hoping for that particular moment when she recognizes the potential in a landscape, a person, or whatever holds her attention. She may later interpret from one or a series of photographs, enhancing the painting’s uniqueness by the use of color, tone and composition. A public reception for the artist will be held Friday, May 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the gallery.