Nature inspires acrylic painter Linda Harris.
Her exhibit, Bark and Rock, which explores the natural world runs at Art 10 Gallery, located in Nanaimo North Town Centre, until the end of the month.
“I am very drawn to the forest, trees and rocks,” said Harris. “I enjoy the tranquility of nature.”
Harris often finds inspiration for her paintings when she is walking in nature. She said some moments are fleeting so taking a picture as reference for later is important.
She’s been a member of Art 10 Gallery for about eight years.
Harris said she’s been involved in art all her life.
“I come from a family of artists and creative people,” she said.
It wasn’t until the early ‘ 80s that she started to seriously pursue painting.
“It was just a time of transition,” she said, adding she was dealing with family member health issues and it gave her an outlet to cope.
At the time, she lived in Maple Ridge. She found a mentor who encouraged her art.
Originally, Harris painted in oils but she switched to acrylic. Harris uses glazes to paint in layers and blend the acrylics more. Acrylics tend to dry quickly, but adding glazes extends the drying time a bit.
“The glaze gives me time if I am quick,” she said.
Harris focuses on colour and texture in her work.
She explores the relationship between inanimate objects found in nature and the flora and fauna. Her work is mostly representational but some of her newer work has more abstract and impressionistic resonances.
For more information please call the gallery at 250-756-6136.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
