The McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville will welcome three new exhibitions starting Nov. 26.
Step into a world where every brushstroke dances with the essence of natural light at Bev Robertson's enchanting art show, Capturing the Light. This exhibition invites the viewer to witness the delicate interplay of light in some of the most serene and captivating settings, according to a news release by the MAC.
The show can be found in the MAC's Concert Gallery and features an array of floral masterpieces, from vibrant peonies to elegant tulips and splendid dahlias, each nestled in jars and bathed in the warm, golden glow of a summer day.
"As you move through the exhibition, you'll encounter mesmerizing ocean scenes where light glints off the water's surface or shines through the waves, creating a dynamic play of reflections that make the water appear almost alive," the release said. "Bev's portrayal of these moments captures the ephemeral beauty of the seaside, evoking memories of tranquil days by the shore."
Robertson was born and raised on Vancouver Island with a natural talent for art and in 2012, she started following her passion of painting full time. She soon began winning awards and notoriety. After joining the Federation of Canadian Artists she made it her goal to become a recognized professional artist. In 2017 she was awarded Signature status which is a juried recognition of the consistent high quality of an artist's body of work.
“Painting is what I love to do, it feeds my soul," Robertson said. "Being able to paint on a regular basis gives me the opportunity to explore and discover the artist that has been waiting inside of me all these years. As I finish one painting, there is always another painting in my mind, just waiting to be created."
Robertson finds inspiration in capturing the light as it hits the flowers in the gardens around her and the movement and light of the ever-changing ocean, lakes and skies of the beautiful Island where she lives and wherever she travels.
The MAC is also hosting the Vancouver Island Silk Painters' 25th Anniversary Silk and Silver Show, in the Oceanside Gallery.
“We are, first and foremost, painters. This is not fabric art, or silk-screen printing. The silk is our canvas.”
The Vancouver Island Silk Painters was founded in 2000 by Maureen Walker at Pioneer Silk Studio where members of the group were taught, challenged, but above all, allowed to keep their own style and artistic individuality.
Each person, taught a new technique, would take it and do something different with it – thus exploiting the versatility of silk painting.
Members have a good grounding in the traditional outlining with resist technique, experience with contemporary use of layering colour and indirect painting, together with knowledge of design and composition. This is a social, active group of enthusiastic and supportive artists, with diverse styles, subject matter and techniques, all willing to share their new ideas and experiments.
The Vancouver Island Silk Painters’ Annual Show, held at various venues around the island, is always well attended – the most often heard comment during opening receptions is “love the colour!” The aim of the shows is not only to attract and entertain viewers, but to educate people to a better understanding of painting on silk, an ancient art medium, which is being celebrated in a new century.
“The joy of silk painting is like no other.”
Also on display is the Annual Oceanside Community Arts Council Members Show, which can be found in the MAC's Nemeth Gallery.
The theme for this year's show, representing the work of more than 60 members, is “Songs from the Heart".
All three exhibitions will be at the MAC (133 McMillan St.) until Feb. 2.
