Canadian landscapes the latest gallery exhibit

Sue Goossens stands in front of a panel in the Station Arts Centre with both her and Cathy Groulx’s paintings. The exhibit Canadian Landscapes runs from Feb. 14 to March 14. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Two area artists are featuring Canadian landscapes in the latest exhibit at the Station Arts Centre.

Sue Goossens of Otterville and Cathy Grooulx of Woodstock are both names familiar to the Station Arts Centre as both have exhibited there several times in the past. The two artists often exhibit together, and are teaming up for Canadian Landscapes at the Station Arts Centre.

“We used to do the art exhibit in Toronto, we’ve done galleries together and art in the parks together,” Goossens said. “We have a similar style. She’s oils, I’m watercolours. I think we complement each other.”

Both artists have been painting for more than 30 years. Groulx takes part in juried shows and has received several awards for her art.

Although Goossens paints watercolours, part of her works are on a canvas similar to oils.

“Back in the day, I wanted to go larger, and for larger art you could only get mats so big and the glass gets prohibitively heavy,” she said.

Goossens started researching and found a technique where a surface preparation can be applied to canvas to make it similar to paper for the paint. Then when the art is done, an archival varnish spray is applied to protect it.

The landscapes Goossens included in the show are from “B.C. to Newfoundland and everywhere in between”. That ‘in-between’ includes some scenes from the Otterville area and along the Otter Creek.

Groulx’s landscapes in the show are all from Ontario.

“I like to paint ‘what I know', something I was taught to do years ago, since familiarity with a subject usually results in a better result,” she said. “I use photo references, most of which I take myself, setting up the composition with my camera.”

Groulx likes painting peaceful scenes.

“Inspiration for my landscapes or what draws me to a scene to paint is generally quiet, peaceful locations,” she said. “I enjoy the challenge of painting water and rocks, reflections in water, all of nature. Most of my paintings are devoid of a human presence, though I paint portraits too. As an avid gardener colour, texture and form are important considerations.”

Asked about her inspiration for a particular scene, Goossens answered, I have tons of photos. Oi pick and choose things where I can accent the shadows and project some sense of movement.”

Canadian Landscapes opened Feb. 14 and runs until March 14.