Local artist Darren Larose is best known for his oil on canvas abstract paintings. His compositions, while flat, somehow and create perspective to invite the viewer in.
Larose first attended the Ottawa School of Art where he developed his technical art skills and was involved in the mentorship program. At the University of Victoria he received a bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts. He studied under Robert Youds, Daniel Laskarin and Sandra Meigs. He was a curator for a year and became the President of the Visual Arts Students Association.
Larose’s paintings have strong compositional balance. He constructs his paintings using lines, shapes and layers and it may take him over two years to complete a painting to his satisfaction. He has shown his works in Ottawa, Victoria and Campbell River – where he currently lives, creating his work in his studio shed near the ocean.
“I believe that art is a pursuit of the highest level,” Larose says. “My paintings are purely a construct of my ideas and imagination. I typically do not have a preconceived idea of what the painting will look like, however I rely on my artistic understanding to achieve a desired aesthetic.
“My work usually has some form of perspective. I enjoy bold colours, linear elements and unusual shapes. I would, one day, like to have my work in the National Gallery.”
Larose’s current collection, Shapes, Forms – Flat, will be on display in the Tidemark Art Gallery, May 12 through June 30. Admission to the gallery is free and doors are open from Tuesday to Friday from 12 to 4 p.m.
For more information about Larose and his work, visit his website at darrenlarose.ca
