They are the opposite of fair-weather friends. First of all, they meet indoors, but more fittingly, they share a common interest in art. And, most importantly, they support one another.
For the past two months, artists Margaret McSweeney and Sandra Rogers have been meeting with fellow artists and those new to painting in the clubhouse at their residential community, The Seasons, which overlooks Okanagan Lake.
Under McSweeney’s instruction, the group, which calls itself the Artists at the Seasons, has been learning the brush strokes and nuances of painting in acrylics.
Although McSweeney has no formal training as an instructor, she is an accomplished artist and has been demonstrating the use of acrylic paints and all the associated mediums, moldings, and gels that go along with it.
Some of the group’s resulting work is going on exhibition in the clubhouse at The Seasons on Saturday, July 20.
“Sandra and I have been painting for years so we thought, why not see if we can get something going at The Seasons?,” said McSweeney, who paints primarily in oils and acrylics, and says her inspiration comes from nature and the vastness of colour that surrounds her.
“My goal is to bring this beauty, wildlife, and outdoors to your home through my paintings,” she said.
Rogers, who started painting after retiring, now dabbles in watercolours, oils, pastels and acrylics, working in a loose, free style.
“I find it amazing to paint for three hours and realize I have become so absorbed in the work that my mind is released from all the noise and chatter of day-to-day life,” she said.
The Seasons exhibition will feature both arts and crafts, shown by both experienced and new artists in the community.
Items include a large selection of paintings, in all mediums, plus quilts, handbags, photographs, woodwork and other crafts. A percentage of the profits from the show will be donated to the OK Quality of Life Society to help them purchase a new “Heaven Can Wait” boat to replace the old one, which has been taking clients around Okanagan Lake for several years.
All are welcome to attend Saturday’s event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
The Seasons clubhouse is located at 7760 Okanagan Landing Rd. For more information, contact Rogers at 778-475-3694.
