|
During the depression a government program in Saskatchewan employed
artists to visit the elementary schools giving instruction in art and
music. The artist who came to my school was a Mr. Pragnell. This was my
real introduction to what art could be. It is true that Mr. Pragnell
encouraged me, but it is also true that I pestered him unmercifully with
my drawings!
Years later, I saw some paintings in a Calgary
restaurant, and learned that my Mr. Pragnell was probably Bartley
Pragnell, who was gaining a reputation as a painter of mountain scenes.
Although I was not to study with an artist again for about three
decades, I have always remembered him for first fostering what talent I
have..
I have a B.A. with a minor in fine art from the University of Alberta. I
have also studied drawing and painting through their Extension
Department and at the Red Deer Summer School of the Arts.
I have
attended many workshops, such as those held by Robert Sinclair at
Sunshine Village. I also participated in a painting holiday in Cornwall,
England, with Australian Artist David Taylor in 2000, thanks to the
EAC's scholarship program.
Recently, I enjoyed trying something new, an
encaustic art workshop led by Lorna Kemp. And I continue to attend
critique sessions with Eileen Raucher Sutton.
My usual media are watercolour and monotype printmaking of landscape and
still life.
My choice of subject depends on some quality, which is
either visually striking, or resonant of some abstraction, the essence
of which I try to capture. These subjects have a personal appeal that
I hope to convey. This is all I really strive to do - my highest
ambition is to invoke that 'eureka' moment of true communication. CONTACT ARTIST |
