GORE BAY – ‘Out-Rageous 2019,’ an exhibition of paintings inspired by the plein-air experience features the latest paintings of three Manitoulin artists, Sue Lampinen, S.A. (Sharon) Preen and Helen Siksek, who are all passionate plein-air painters.
Ms. Lampinen and Ms. Preen are established artists from the Greater Sudbury area but spend part of the year on Manitoulin Island. Ms. Siksek lives in Gore Bay and has been painting with them for several years around Manitoulin Island, the La Cloche region and Killarney Provincial Park. The three artists have something in common: they have a passion for painting outdoors. Ms. Lampinen paints using pastels, Ms. Preen uses oil paints and Ms. Siksek uses acrylic. But while they may paint together in the same location their styles are distinct and unique.
Artists throughout history have enjoyed painting outdoors but the act of painting known by the French term ‘en plein-air’ historically became popular during the years leading up to the French Impressionist movement. Visual artists became preoccupied with painting the effect of light on colour so it was important for them to paint outdoors directly from nature while observing natural light.
Today’s plein-air artists have evolved and they continue to be drawn to different creative and experimental influences as well as traditional ones. Here in Canada and especially in Ontario, many outdoor painters are influenced by the legacy of The Group of Seven who created a plein-air genre that is distinctly Canadian and of primary concern for many artists who paint in this region.
The art of painting outdoors from direct observation is critical to artists because it helps them develop and sharpen their skills. It is a serious pursuit for many professional artists. What they are trying to accomplish by painting outdoors is not as easy to explain and is a personal and deeply meaningful practice.
The three are committed to the value of the plein-air experience and they continue to paint around Manitoulin Island year-round. ‘Out-Rageous 2019,’ is an exhibition of paintings inspired by the plein-air experience. Their show opened this past Saturday at the Gore Bay Harbour Centre Gallery, and the exhibition will run from July 27 to August 10. The gallery is open from 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays but is closed Sundays and Mondays.
Any fellow artists in the area are invited to come and paint or sketch at the Harbour Centre for the duration of this exhibition. Please bring your own sketchbook or easel and your own supplies. There will be no instruction, just enjoy painting or drawing the view outside the gallery with the artists.
For more information please call 705-282-4495 or check the Fish Point Studio Facebook page for the latest updates.
