Submitted
The Pearl Ellis Gallery invites the public to attend an exhibition of Gordon Greenhough’s paintings.
The exhibit runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 19 and showcases more than 20 original watercolours on paper and seven acrylic canvases.
Greenhough has been painting for more than 40 years, primarily in Alberta and British Columbia. His watercolours are a reflection of his solitary nature and deep appreciation for the quieter moments of life.
Since moving to the Comox Valley in 2004, Greenhough has taken his inspiration from images and scenes close to home. The Lazo Marsh Conservation Area has been a favourite muse. His work often shows a fascination for wetlands, plant growth, and the ferns and mossy areas of the forest. At different times of the year these scenes take on very different characteristics: colour, lighting and accessibility. This exhibition is primarily a compilation of his work done over the last four years. The most recent works are done with acrylic paint moving into a more impressionistic or abstract style.
Greenhough says his intention is to draw the viewer into a particular space and share an experience or make a connection in some intimate way.
“The contrast of the grand open skies of the foothills and the dense rain forests of Vancouver Island has enabled me to appreciate the play between light and shadow,” he says. “I especially value the way a heavy canopy opening can spotlight a tiny leaf or send a shaft of light through to the forest floor.”
The reflections in water and the challenges this provided in watercolour painting inspired Greenhough to create a number of harbour scenes in addition to those of the marshes and waterways. The textures of rust and peeling paint, the effects of salt water, sails and heavy rope influence his desire to precipitate pigments and stain paper in rich colour.
The public is invited to the Pearl Ellis Gallery to meet and talk to the artist on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 2-4 p.m.
The gallery is located at 1729 Comox Ave. The Gallery will be open to the public every day from 10 am to 4 p.m., and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. but will be closed on Mondays. FMI go to www.pearlellisgallery.com.