Sheryl Fremlin is exhibiting a selection of contemporary watercolour, encaustic and acrylic paintings during her solo show at the Pearl Ellis Gallery in Comox.
The exhibition will open April 3 and continue through April 22. A public reception will be held April 7 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Immigrating to Canada in 1980, Fremlin moved to the Cariboo region of British Columbia from Lake Tahoe.
An idealistic dream of having a “cowboy adventure” became the 30-year reality of working and living alongside the extended Fremlin family, who own and operate the famous Flying U Guest Ranch. After selling their properties in 2010, Sheryl and her husband relocated to the Comox Valley to experience a coastal island lifestyle and to pursue painting full-time.
Fremlin specializes in the watercolour medium with an emphasis on creating paintings imbued with rich vibrant colour, contrast and depth. Her paintings are grounded in the principles of solid design and draftsmanship, showing an impressive mastery of technique and style.
Her introduction to painting in watercolour in 1985 initiated an interest in the visual arts that has led to a lifelong passion.
She is a graduate of the North Light Art School and the Sheffield School of Interior Design, furthering her education through Emily Carr Outreach programs and studying with many gifted instructors through art workshops. Since then, she has the distinction of being an elected signature member of the prestigious Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour based in Toronto.
For Fremlin being an artist isn’t something she does, it’s who she is.
“It’s important to me to paint images that are emotionally appealing and that evoke an overall pleasant mood, which is meant to be enjoyed by the viewer. To see beauty where it isn’t always obvious, and finding inspiration through the presence of light and how it transforms the mundane to the marvelous, brings me great joy.
“I believe that painting is a journey of exploration and discovery, a process of seeing with your eyes, interpreting with your brain, and feeling with your heart.”
While exhibiting her work in galleries, solo and groups shows since 1987, and being accepted into numerous international and national juried art shows, she has won many awards. Her professional affiliations include CSPWC, an active member status with the Federation of Canadian Artists, and supporting memberships in the Pearl Ellis Gallery and the Comox Valley Arts Council. She is a founding lifetime member of the Cariboo Artists’ Guild and she served on their board of directors since its inception in 1990.
The Pearl Ellis Gallery at 1729 Comox Ave. in Comox is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays). Admission is free.
The gallery is a non-profit public gallery and new members are always welcome. For details, go to www.pearlellisgallery.com.
— Pearl Ellis Gallery
