Bursts of colour appear at Foyer Gallery with new exhibit
Posted Feb 5, 2010 By Kimberly Lochhead
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EMC Entertainment The Foyer Gallery's current exhibit "Quartet" features an array of floral, abstract pieces and even Vegas showgirls painted with intense hues and strong shapes. 
"Secret Garden" by Jill Alexander illustrates the vibrancy of colour displayed at the Foyer Gallery's current exhibit Quartet, on until Feb. 14.
Showing until Feb. 14, the collection features works from Dhanashri Athavale, Jill Alexander, Patricia Kirby and Ray Piesina.
"It's really a celebration of colour, which is good in winter because we're seeing so much grey and white recently," said Ms. Kirby.
Taking a nod from the theme, Ms. Kirby created her floral pieces including dahlias and chrysanthemums in a collection called "Duets," where the same flower is painted once in watercolour and then in oil on another canvas.
"Looking at different paintings of the same subject, viewers get a feeling of the differences and similarities between the two media," she explained. "Part of the Foyer's mandate is to educate the public and I think this will give them an idea of this. Oil is thick and shiny, while watercolour is always flat and matte. The colour and composition can be somewhat similar."
Ms. Alexander has recently been working on new techniques, while still infusing a few of her signature swirls into her pieces. Her main piece called, 'Where the Wild Things Are," is a close-up of a zebra and giraffe from a carousel, painted with intense colour.
With experience as a cake decorator for 18 years, Ms. Alexander said she took up a new style with the palette knife and created huge florals that are on display in the show.
"Everything I've been learning has converged into one," she explained. "Everything has to have impact with lots of colour. I like to do the unexpected, so I have some florals but also carousel horses with big expressive eyes because quartet also means music to me. I also have Las Vegas showgirls in a piece called 'Peacock Princess,' because they equal music, too."
Ms. Athavale's work shows spring lilies and water lilies in watercolour.
"It's all about nature and I'm fascinated with the smaller details," she said. "My paintings are quite simple but fresh, especially considering this cold time of year."
Mr. Piesina said the theme Quartet leaves artists to their own personal interpretation, as it is open to involving playfulness and movement. Working in abstract expressionism, he creates 'earthscapes,' depicting the spirit of nature and its impact on life.
"I try to bring the viewer into the origins of Earth's beginnings," he explained. "I use a lot of colour in order to create movement, form, growth and endless energy. They're landscapes but on a very abstract sense. I'm dealing with nature and the force within."
Mr. Piesina added that he paints his works with a plan to draw the viewer in and allow their imagination to explore many things happening on the canvas.
By encouraging focus shows with a smaller group, Foyer Gallery artists are able to show more of their work and gain more exposure. The artists are hoping the strong presence of colour in the featured works of art will help draw members of the public to the gallery.
The Foyer Gallery is located inside the Nepean Sportsplex. For more information, including the gallery's hours, please visit www.foyergallery.com.
klochhead@thenewsemc.ca
