‘Tis that time of year when Cochrane is treated to art shows that gladden the heart. One experience that really touched my wife and me was attendance the other day at Cochrane-area artist Anne McGilvary’s demonstration of her artistic techniques.
Anne is passionate for interpretations of flowered mountain meadows. She invited us to her presentation at Framed on Fifth, in Calgary. From where we were sitting, I was able to photograph a few of the highlights, as shown in the accompanying collage. She illustrated her method with her acrylic interpretation of a photo she took on a day trip west of Radium, BC, with her husband John. She titled the painting Floral Ascent.
Her choice of brushes that she uses is very important to her. She’s especially fond of angle brushes. “They are a variety of brushes rolled into one,” she said. “There’s a full flat side for just laying down paint into large areas. The chisel side works for drawing lines, and the tip is great for detail work, such as petals on flowers. Great flexibility.”
Obviously, the attentive mixing of pigments to be used is essential. Anne demonstrated this in how the subtle addition of greys and blues is so important for distinguishing distance from foregrounds in such mountain vistas.
And then, of course, there’s the visual design of her subject. In this matter, she is meticulous with her photo-based sketches that she prepares to guide her along the way.
Anne’s show, Mountains, Meadows & Wildflowers, will be running through April 27 at Framed on Fifth, 1207 5th Ave. NW, Calgary. Enjoy!
© 2024 Warren Harbeck
