Paul Black, an accomplished painter, best known for his impressionist-style winter scenes of Portland’s Old Port and his oil paintings of Monhegan Island, died Wednesday after a fight against brain cancer. He was 62.

Mr. Black was remembered by family and friends Thursday as a gifted artist and dedicated family man, who generously gave back to the community. He leaves behind his wife of 18 years, Irena Black, of South Portland; and their daughter, Holly Black, 17, a senior at South Portland High School.

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Paul Black

Mr. Black moved to Portland in 1987 and began painting winter scenes in the Old Port. His paintings were described by local artists as impressionistic and romantic. In his Portland winter scenes, viewers are easily drawn to the subtle glow of streetlights and his signature little red hats on people. In his landscapes of Monhegan Island, Mr. Black shows an effortless ability to capture the light and enhance the beauty of the island.

“As an artist, I know that we all loved and respected Paul as one of the best artists in the state of Maine,” said artist Robert Cohen, who owned the Exchange Street Gallery in Portland’s Old Port for more than 20 years. “He was very generous with his friendship and his talent. He leaves behind a great legacy of lots of paintings.”

Mr. Black’s paintings hang in private collections and galleries throughout the state, including Fore Street Gallery in Portland and Lupine Gallery on Monhegan Island. His work has been exhibited at Fore Street Gallery every December for several years. This year’s exhibit will go on as planned, beginning Dec. 5 at the gallery. A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.

Lorrie Maciag, owner of the gallery, remembered Mr. Black this week as a talented artist and humble guy, who could easily relate to people. Maciag said she saw him about 10 days ago when he picked out the postcard for December’s exhibit. The postcard is of his last painting, which is expected to be on view for his services.

“He could paint Portland city scenes like no other artist,” Maciag said, noting she owns five of his paintings. “I have an Old Port snow scene of Exchange Street. I like the snowy days, the reflections of (light), and the people walking through the snow with umbrellas.”

Mr. Black was also represented at Lupine Gallery, where he visited every summer for many years. Bill Boynton, who owns the gallery, said his ability to capture light on Monhegan Island set him apart from other artists.

“The light at Monhegan Island is one of the attractions for many artists,” Boynton said. “He was not only able to capture it, but make it more striking. It got him a lot of recognition here. Other artists would notice his work. To me, that’s the highest compliment.”

Outside work, Mr. Black was a devoted husband and father, who strove to create a beautiful life for his family. His wife said he was a hardworking man, and also generous with his time and talents. For example, Mr. Black, who played bass guitar and sang in various bands, took violin lessons with his daughter for five years. He would also buy used violins on eBay to donate to the Portland Conservatory of Music.

His wife said he had a special bond with his daughter.

“She was everything to Paul,” his wife said. “He was an incredible father. He lived for us. He lived for Holly and he lived for me. He never missed a beat. He never missed taking her to her lessons and sport games. He was the after-school dad. He was always there for her.”

The Blacks enjoyed gardening together, going for walks and bike rides, and renovating their South Portland home. His wife said they were a good team.

“It was an incredible life together,” she said. “It was wonderful. He was my best friend. …He was an incredible individual. He touched the heart of everyone he met.”