Denise Dalton and Bridget Van Osch
Sisters share artistic passion
Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, May 9 at 2pm
Denise Dalton
I can’t remember a time that I didn’t love the creative arts. I’d happily colour geography maps in grade school, switching to designing fantastical apparel and futuristic houses during my teen years to finally falling in love with painting. I managed to produce a few crude paintings during those early years but my formal art training was during one year at the University of Windsor where I primarily learned basic drawing techniques. Since then I have taught myself to paint and consider myself a learner still! I have dabbled in acrylics and watercolour but I always come back to oils.
After years of little output, and after I retired, I took up painting again. I love to paint vistas reflecting my love of nature from local scenes to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the northern wilderness. I also enjoy the challenges of doing portraits. I like to experiment with different styles including impressionism, abstraction, realism, and even surrealism.
In one sense I am glad of the trajectory I followed with regard to my artwork. I sometimes think that to paint for a living, while a marvellous pursuit, would have been too stressful for me. I have profound admiration for artists who have chosen this path. To be truthful, the “in between” times of little artistic output allowed me to pursue other interests, all of which, I believe, have enriched my artwork. Now I simply paint for pleasure and delight in the happiness shown by the recipients of my paintings.
After years of little output, and after I retired, I took up painting again. I love to paint vistas reflecting my love of nature from local scenes to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the northern wilderness. I also enjoy the challenges of doing portraits. I like to experiment with different styles including impressionism, abstraction, realism, and even surrealism.
In one sense I am glad of the trajectory I followed with regard to my artwork. I sometimes think that to paint for a living, while a marvellous pursuit, would have been too stressful for me. I have profound admiration for artists who have chosen this path. To be truthful, the “in between” times of little artistic output allowed me to pursue other interests, all of which, I believe, have enriched my artwork. Now I simply paint for pleasure and delight in the happiness shown by the recipients of my paintings.
Bridget Van Osch
In high school I loved to work with oil pastels. I did one oil painting in those years, which I hated and have since painted over, but have always wanted to give it another try.
Raising seven children on a large rural property left little time for hobbies and it was only about six years ago that I finally pulled out the beginners’ oil painting kit that my late husband had given me for Christmas many, many years ago.
Learning as I go, my first paintings took a very long time to complete and I would often have about a dozen brushes to clean after every session as I experimented, trying to find which brush would produce the effect I wanted. My art, so far, has been along the line of realism but, as I continue to learn, I hope to expand into other styles of painting.
I was raised and still live in this area, and I try to reflect the beauty that surrounds me here in my works. I also find inspiration in the beauty and tranquility I find on backcountry camping experiences with my family.
I use a few less brushes now and my painting time has picked up as I become more comfortable working with oil paints, which is a good thing, as I now juggle my time between still maintaining my large property but also looking after grandchildren at least three days a week. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Life is good!
Raising seven children on a large rural property left little time for hobbies and it was only about six years ago that I finally pulled out the beginners’ oil painting kit that my late husband had given me for Christmas many, many years ago.
Learning as I go, my first paintings took a very long time to complete and I would often have about a dozen brushes to clean after every session as I experimented, trying to find which brush would produce the effect I wanted. My art, so far, has been along the line of realism but, as I continue to learn, I hope to expand into other styles of painting.
I was raised and still live in this area, and I try to reflect the beauty that surrounds me here in my works. I also find inspiration in the beauty and tranquility I find on backcountry camping experiences with my family.
I use a few less brushes now and my painting time has picked up as I become more comfortable working with oil paints, which is a good thing, as I now juggle my time between still maintaining my large property but also looking after grandchildren at least three days a week. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Life is good!