A childhood spent in front of Sesame Street taught us to pick out the item that did not match. A neighbour in the woods remarked recently that a painting hanging on the wall is a different style in relation to the other landscapes huddled on the sideboard beside it. I would not have made this distinction myself, but it made sense. The landscape in question was done under the coaching of Ottawa artist Gordon Harrison and does reflect his style of painting, which is somewhat of a departure for my usual painstaking efforts to “get it right”. I had admired Gordon Harrison’s work because his strokes seem so free, so unstudied. They imply movement, excitement and a real connection to the land around the artist. His colours are glorious. All of which is in complete contrast to my often uptight attempts and earthy colours.
So I was thrilled to be able to study with him this past winter. It was liberating, but also quite a challenge, as I don’t usually work in oils. It took me a while to adjust my brushwork and expectations, but in the end I was pleased with the results. One of my pieces has landed in a group show by 22 of Gordon’s other apprentices. The exhibition takes place from August 30 to October 12 at Plumes et Glisse, a bed and breakfast at Mont Tremblant run by Jenny Pearson-Millar and her partner Craig. There will be three vernissages and open houses, as well as other opportunities to view the work. I’m going to make a day trip out of it and explore the area while I’m there.
Not being like the others is not always a bad thing.
So I was thrilled to be able to study with him this past winter. It was liberating, but also quite a challenge, as I don’t usually work in oils. It took me a while to adjust my brushwork and expectations, but in the end I was pleased with the results. One of my pieces has landed in a group show by 22 of Gordon’s other apprentices. The exhibition takes place from August 30 to October 12 at Plumes et Glisse, a bed and breakfast at Mont Tremblant run by Jenny Pearson-Millar and her partner Craig. There will be three vernissages and open houses, as well as other opportunities to view the work. I’m going to make a day trip out of it and explore the area while I’m there.
Not being like the others is not always a bad thing.