Powell River artist Joyce Furness is the latest to have her work displayed at Malaspina Arts Society exhibition centre, in the foyer of Vancouver Island University. Her exhibition, called Naturescapes and More, will be displayed from April 4 to May 3.
Furness uses both acrylic and watercolour to depict a mixture of subjects. Her title piece for the exhibit is Quiet Pool and Tumbling Water, a study of the excitement that exists when tumbling water meets a still, transparent pool.
Furness attended Ontario College of Art in the 1960s, following a childhood of fascination in crayons, brushes, pencils and any kind of drawing medium. After moving to the west coast seven years ago she found herself completely inspired by the richness and majesty of the landscape with its ever-changing shapes, light and movement.
In her show, she attempts, either realistically or by moving into a form of expressionism, to capture the essence of the nature of the landscape. Some paintings dwell on the muted greys and blues with, perhaps, a streak of aqua, the kind of palette that makes a person feel they are part of a soft day. Others move like the wind and some have a splash of the kind of colour found on a crisp fall moment.
For three years, Furness shared space at Studio Three on Marine Avenue. Since leaving the studio, her work has been on display at Breakwater Books and Coffee, Arts Alive in the Park, the annual Art Studio Tour and the Dwight Hall Christmas show. Furness also exhibited at Little Hut Curry last year.
The exhibit will open with a reception from 7 to 9 pm on Thursday, April 4 where Furness will be in attendance.
