Did you know that the walls of Delicado’s on the corner of Fifth Street and Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay have been turned into an art gallery by the Art Group of the Comox Valley?
Originally the group was about six women who were part of the Comox Valley Newcomers’ Group. It is now an independent association of about 40 men and women who get together weekly to paint, sketch, write, or photograph.
Several members of AGCV are professional artists who show and sell in galleries. Many are semi-professional, showing their work in local venues, and a number of our members are amateur artists who gather together for the love of art. Members are from the Comox Valley and surrounding areas.
One of the displaying artists at Delicado’s is Carol Elliott.
Although Elliott has been painting for many years, her style changed significantly since moving to the Comox Valley. This giant step forward in her artistic style incorporated decorative art techniques into her oil paintings.
For Elliott, the result of this approach means giving up some the time-honoured oil painting traditions but she says it has regenerated her creativity.
The style is a modified Grisaille, a form of decorative painting in grey monochromes to give the impression of objects in relief. Instead of using only grey, as you would with Grisaille, you paint the canvas with a luminous acrylic colour and add shading with grey and black acrylic.
Only then do you start painting with oils — and only thin layers of semi-transparent glazes. Look closely at the painting named Giant Tulips; you can almost see the colour of the luminous undercoat glow through the oils.
This is just one of 20 pieces of art on display. Local art is alive and well and on display at Delicado’s during February.
Delicado's is located at 180A Fifth St. (across from the Sid Williams Theatre). Delicado’s is opened seven days a week — stop by and check out the art while enjoying your favourite tea or coffee.
Phone 250-338-8885.
— Delicado's