Cathy Dobson
Jane Hunter fans have until the end of the month to take in the Sarnia artist’s latest exhibition at the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts.
Hunter said she feels very fortunate to have come through the pandemic relatively unscathed.
“I haven’t been unhappy at all,” she said. “I have my studio or I can go to the beach…”
Hunter has spent more than 40 years painting watercolours, inspired by her travels and local landscapes, especially Canatara Park.
She grew up in Sarnia, graduated from the Ontario College of Art, and has won innumerable awards and honours. She has also been a board member or fundraiser for many local galleries, and in 2007 was appointed a life member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour.
“I have become comfortable with watercolour. It’s my favourite,” she said, explaining how she can meticulously take up to a year to finish a piece.
“It’s my opportunity to be thoughtful,” she said. “I work on only one painting at a time.”
Hunter frequently produces a series of paintings based on a theme.
The current show, called “From Then to Now,” includes 20 works, some completed years ago and some never before shown.
Several are from series inspired by holidays in Turkey and Ireland. Three depict Lake Chipican in Canatara Park, and one entire wall features a series inspired by fruit and vegetable peels in a friend’s kitchen composter.
Most are watercolours, some using a wet-on-wet technique that blurs the detail. Some are acrylic, which Hunter likes to use on occasion.
All are available for sale except one stunning floral painting placed near the Turret Room’s stained glass windows. It shows a flowerbed in Hunter’s garden, which she intends to hang above her fireplace. It is on display for this show only.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: “Then to Now” exhibition featuring the work of painter Jane Hunter.
WHERE: The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts, corner of Wellington and Christina streets.
WHEN: Wednesdays – Sundays; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. until March 31.