Local artists kick off spring exhibit and sale

Those who appreciate artistic humour will see a range of tongue-in-cheek messages on the poster promoting the St. Albert Painters’ Guild Show and Sale.

Visual artist Diane Stone’s Catch of the Day was selected as this year’s beacon of interest to highlight the show. It is whimsical acrylic of a grouping of bold, rainbow coloured fish strung across a line.

Not only does the painting portray a playful story, but it also suggests a broad range of artists showcasing their works – about 44 exhibiting nearly 200 paintings.

Stone never imagined that leafing through 30 years of photographs of her husband’s fishing trips to Saskatchewan would create this stunner.

“I was looking for inspiration after Christmas and thought I’d organize the pictures. I noticed that every year there were photos of the catch-of-the-day with fish strung up. I wondered, what if I was to paint it and make the colours really crazy,” Stone said.

Every single one of the paintings on display at St. Albert Place from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28 are born from a memory, an image or an inspired moment, says past president Peg McPherson.

Most of the compositions fall into three creative categories – representational, impressionistic and abstract.

“It’s always amazing to see what is shown,” McPherson said, noting the variety of media used includes oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, drawings, etchings, collage and mixed media.

“This year we have some incredible realism using pencil crayon that is fascinating. We all used pencil crayons in elementary school, but this takes it 10 levels up,” she added.

One of the guild’s most committed artists, Judy Schafers, takes pleasure in applying layers and glazes that create an inner glow. One of her submissions is the close-up of a gnarled root popping out of the snow.

“We see roots every day, but she takes a look at it in a different way,” McPherson said.

Mike Denby instead takes the viewer to his favourite fishing hole.

“The array of colours, the way he’s painted the leaves – you could scoop them up. Both Judy and Mike play with the senses. You know what the root feels like. You know what the leaves feel like.”

Jumping into a different arena, Val Solash delves into the abstract, exploring textures, values, colour and the amazing patterns of natural objects.

Anyone who enjoys experimentation may enjoy discussing the merits of painting on Lexan with Father Douglas.

“It’s a see-through acrylic clear material with a rough surface so the paint can adhere to it. It acts like a canvas,” explains McPherson.

Bill Carstairs will mount a few of his travel pieces from the Middle East. Bridging abstract qualities with beautiful forms, he catches light and shows how it creates patterns.

Small pieces are usually priced at $75. Larger, more sophisticated works top out at $1,200.

McPherson added, “Come down and see the beauty reflected in the images. It’s a way to appreciate where we live and the lifestyles we have. It’s also a meeting place to celebrate, reflect and meditate on the images you see.”

She encourages art patrons to attend a meet-the-artist event on Friday night from 7 to 9 p.m.

“When you talk to the artist, there is a better understanding and appreciation of the work and process,” she said. “Things are continually evolving and changing. It’s nice to talk to artists and find out why they chose what they did.”

Regular hours are Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.