Sunset Arts Gallery
Address: 67 River Road, Grand Bend, ON, N0M 1T0
Website: www.sunsetarts.info
Phone: 519-238-6914
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Susan Garrington
Painting provides me with the opportunity to be outside all day and to share my love of the beauty of nature with those who see my work. In the words of British painter, Edward Burne -Jones, ” …beauty… softens, and comforts, and inspires, and rouses, and lifts up, and never fails.”
My landscapes are inspired by plein air sketching sessions ,one of life’s great treasures. Sometimes paintings are completed on site, while at other times reference sketches done on location are used to produce studio work. Working on location allows me to absorb the sights and sounds, to see the shapes and rhythms that present themselves, to be in the moment , to feel the breeze and smell the grasses and flowers, to hear the birds sing or the dogs bark or the children laugh and sometimes to battle the bugs or heat or cold. All of these things contribute to my understanding of the spirit of the place, and bring my soul solace, peace, and joy which are reflected in my work.
Susan’s self directed study and participation in workshops offered by both local and regional artists, have contributed to her growth as an artist. Susan has attended courses in plein air painting at Southampton Art School and in Killarney as well as drawing and painting courses offered by the University of Western Ontario Continuing Studies Department. Susan has painted on location in Southwestern Ontario, Northern Ontario, Newfoundland, England, France and Italy.
Susan has served on the executive of The Lambeth Art Association, The Gallery Painting Group and the Brush and Palette Club. She is a member of The Central Ontario Art Association and CARFAC as well as an Associate Member of each of: The Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour, The Transparent Watercolor Society of America and The Society of Canadian Artists.
Len Hughes
Len was born in England where he first became interested in painting at school. A busy career prevented him from following his interest in art but in 1985 he started to purse his interest in painting once more. He now lives in London, Ontario with his wife, Sheila.
Len particularly enjoys the transparency, fluidity and speed of watercolour, his preferred medium. He tends to use watercolours boldly with pure colours in rich washes exploiting and exploring the vibrancy and capabilities of the medium.
He has been influenced by the works of the French Impressionists, Tom Thomson, and the Group of Seven in their use of colour to convey the effect of sunlight. His philosophy towards painting is modelled on that of Sir Winston Churchill, an accomplished artist, who once said; “contentment is a joyride in a paint-box for which audacity is the only ticket.”
Landscapes featuring water and reflections are one of his favourite subjects. So too, are the town and village scenes of the Languedoc region of southern France which he frequently visits.
Len has had solo exhibitions and also shown his work in group exhibitions at various locations including Museum London. He has received various awards. Len exhibits at Sunset Arts in Grand Bend.
Visit his website: www.LenHughesArt.ca
Anna Koot
Anna, her husband and four children own and operate a dairy farm just outside St. Marys, Ontario. It is a beautiful area in which to live and raise a family, and offers a wealth of inspiration for her artwork.
Having always loved being creative, she began decorative painting in 1991, and was soon teaching in local shops and around her kitchen table. She continues to teach today in her home studio. Focusing on watercolour, under the guidance of local artist Ellen Erenberg, she developed her talent and had the opportunity to illustrate 2 children’s books. Henry & Harriet, (a story about grief) and Beaver Tales (Alzheimers and dementia).
Loving all mediums from acrylic to oil and pastel, she now considers herself to be a mixed-media artist. She believes all forms of art to be a true gift, both to the artist and the viewer as well. “Art should be uplifting and inspiring.”
Original encaustic paintings, watercolours and illustrated children’s books.
Amelia Husnik
During my high school years I became interested in drawing, painting and art history thanks to a wonderful art teacher, who was an artistic painter as well.
After becoming a teacher in special education I joined an informal group of people who liked to get together one evening per week to paint under the leadership of a professional artist. As was the fashion in those days in Holland, much emphasis was placed on free expression, greatly ignoring technical instruction of any kind.
In 1969 I imigrated to Canada, where work and family life took priority, and for years there was just no time to practice or develop any painting skills. After almost 30 years living in Sault Ste. Marie we moved to London, where soon after my husband died.
A year later I stepped inside the Byron library to see what the painting group was all about, and I have not left since! When I found out about the many painting opportunities in and around London I made it my goal to learn and practice as much as I could.
I joined several painting clubs and painting groups, attending workshops as much as possible, and I have been taking advantage of the many art courses that are offered in Ontario, Michigan and overseas.
I have taken part in a number of Novacks trips to Italy, France, UK and Northern Ireland under leadership of Kevin Bice; to be able to sketch and paint those beautiful locations is a great experience. Also trips in Canada and overseas with a small group of friends provided lots of opportunities to paint and sketch on location.
Since the year 2000 I have regularly taken part in a variety of local and provincial art shows.
I am very grateful for the many wonderful people I have met and for the encouragement of teachers and fellow painters alike.
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