Splash Exhibition 2015
April 14th, 2015 - Ottawa, ON
“Splash 2015” lives up to its name
Stittsville News
By John Curry
Some of the watercolour artists instructed by Heather Gallup whose work is now on display in the "Splash 2015" exhibition at the ArtSpace Wall at the Stittsville branch of the Ottawa Public Library are, from left, Heather Gallup, Lily May, Marilyn Ross, Colleen McRae, Barbara McIntosh, Lou-Ann Edwards and Allison Weber. To view photo, go to http://www.ottawacommunitynews.com/news-story/5549684-exhibit-makes-a-splash-at-stittsville-library
It is an exhibition of art filled not only with splashes of colour of all tones but also with a splash of subjects and scenes.
This “Splash 2015” exhibition at the ArtSpace Wall at the Stittsville branch of the Ottawa Public Library is displaying works by artists who take instruction from Heather Gallup, an artist who gives watercolour art classes through the City of Ottawa.
And this is not the first time that these artists have exhibited their works on the ArtSpace Wall at the Stittsville library branch. The first such Splash exhibition happened in 2008 when the ArtSpace Wall was just beginning.
The Splash exhibition has now become an annual event on the ArtSpace Wall, taking place each April.
And just who are these artists with their art in this “Splash 2015” exhibition?
Linda Christianson enjoys her art lessons with Heather Gallup, not only because of the creativity of the art itself but also because of the companionship of members of the group. In this exhibition, her paintings include “Memories,” a portrayal of the passing of a good friend, and “Orchid Paradise,” a large detailed painting.
Heather Cloutier has been taking watercolour classes in her retirement. In this exhibition, you will be able to see her painting “Dalmatians” which won first place at the Ottawa Orchid Society Show in 2013. She also has a smaller painting entitled “A Royal Visit” on display. It is a painting displaying monarch butterflies visiting a garden.
Jennifer Eady has learned to use watercolours effectively under Heather Gallup’s guidance. Her works in this exhibition are entitled “Columbine” and “Geranium.”
Lou-Ann Edwards loves watercolour paintings for its vibrant colours as well as its softness. Her painting “Memories of Hawaii” depicts the plumeria as a beautiful flower which blossoms in a variety of colours.
Bill Fryer has two paintings in this exhibition: “Rock, Water and Vegetation” and “Trembling Aspen in Autumn.”
Barbara MacIntosh has two paintings in the exhibition as well: “Pomegranates” which features soft colours and shadows and “Landing Pad,” depicting a water lily and emphasizing the contract in colours between the paleness of the flower against the harshness of leaves and water.
Edna Marlow has been painting for over 20 years and loves nature and old buildings. Her painting in this exhibition is entitled “Almonte Falls.”
Lily May finds that she always learns new techniques whenever instructor Heather Gallup gives a demonstration in class. Her art in this exhibition includes “Dog Princess,” a painting created as a keepsake depicting her son’s 13 year old dog, and “Forest Glade,” showing a cottage once owned at Sharbot Lake.
Colleen McRae finds painting with watercolours extremely satisfying as well as very demanding. Her works in this exhibition include “Fall Chaos” showing the results of a late fall wind storm, “Foreboding” which was done in a learned technique involving the placement and later removal of plastic wrap on the painting, and “Grampie’s Barn,” showing a barn in Nova Scotia.
Jon Pammett, who has always wanted to try painting, has his first effort on exhibit in the display case associated with the ArtSpace Wall.
Kathleen Parker likes travelling and photography and finds that painting is a great way to revisit the photos from where she has travelled. “Floating in the Big Blue” shows fish as seen while snorkelling in Hawaii. Her work “Bloomin’ Begonias” arose from a photo taken at a garden tea party in Kanata.
Marilyn Ross has two works in the exhibition: “Brander’s Lane” showing an abandoned shed and “Hibiscus.”
Allison Weber enjoys Heather Gallup’s watercolour painting classes, finding them both fascinating and challenging with many new techniques to absorb each week. Her painting “A Country Garden” shows a picket fence with bountiful flowers while her work “Water Lilies” shows the beauty and serenity of water lilies.
Instructor Heather Gallup is an accomplished watercolour artist in her own right, with landscapes and florals her main subjects. Her work can be viewed at http://heather-gallup.artistwebsites.com .
The watercolour classes which Heather Gallup instructs are currently being offered in Kanata through to June 18. They run from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Registration is still available online or in person at any City of Ottawa registration counter.
She also instructs fall and winter art classes through the City of Ottawa at the Eva James Community Centre in Kanata.
Heather Gallup can be contacted at 613-269-2964 or via email at hlgallup@gmail.com.