I grew up in a small town in Ontario. My mom was the head of the local Arts Council and, together with my dad, loved to discover local artists. I learned to appreciate many forms of art as they would speak intently about each piece found - its genesis, makeup and merit. My sister and I continued this tradition over decades, spending our holidays visiting shows, galleries and art tours. I never suspected that I would move from art lover to artist until I retired in Stratford, Ontario - and Covid 19 hit. I found peace during these trying times by spending hours honing my craft with online tutors - focusing on how best to actualize realism in water, woods and sky, eventually animals, as an acrylic paint artist.
When I paint, I return to the sand dunes, forests and water habitats of my youth. I love old barns and the depth of a landscape - so many things to draw your eye with hues and colours that can sooth a soul. I prefer realism but some pieces or portions of my work dip into the abstract. I paint for personal peace which I hope carries over to the viewer
“Along the River” – 16″ x 20″ acrylic on gallery stretched canvas has been painted on all sides making it available to hang without a frame required.
The photo depicts the scenery from a park north of Montreal in the Province of Quebec, in Canada. Truly one of the most beautiful provinces in all of Canada. Out of all the provinces in Canada, Quebec has always held a special place in my heart. I’ve traveled to many locations in Quebec and found the scenery simply breath taking. Can’t wait to get back there once again.
You can find this painting and many other landscape paintings at my website.
Weslemkoon Lake Ontario – a beautiful lake in the Ontario Highlands, which is basically Central East area of Ontario. This area of the province is renown for its incredible lakes and streams, hills, rocks, pine needles and fun. I spent my early years here at Weslemkoon with my family. We came when the ice went out and left at Thanksgiving. I learned to swim, water ski, play cards and have fun here. I met my life long friend here. And, I saw some of the best views this part of the world has to offer. Little did I know that these views would inspire many paintings in my years of retirement.
My latest painting, “Shoreline Greens” originated as a photo taken by a resident of Otter Lake. Otter Lake is accessible through Weslemkoon Lake and is a beautiful area. Peter Warren was kind enough to allow me to use it for the reference of this painting. The painting was meant to be on a large canvas and thus, for me, that meant an 18″ x 24″ canvas.
The painting was sketched in and the underpainting began. I knew it was going to be a challenge to attempt to represent the various types of trees and stages of seasonal change, but I felt I’d come far enough in my painting journey to take this on. Many hours later the underpainting was completed and then double those hours and the final painting was completed.
It will always remind me of the fun I had on this beautiful lake.
Fine Art By Sherry Graham 