A two-week solo show by Comox Valley artist Sue Pyper will provide an opportunity for the public to view or purchase art pieces and to appreciate the extraordinary detail of her work.
The opening reception at Whyte’s Framing & Gallery will be held Saturday, Feb. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. when you are welcome to meet the artist, share some refreshments, and talk with her about her work.
Pyper is a relatively fresh face in the local art scene but is already gaining a strong following. People, both here and internationally are already familiar with the beauty she’s able to create through her music and songwriting, so the quality of her painting brought no surprise.
As with her music, Pyper is able to create art work that deeply resonates with people. She is drawn to paint subjects that first move her, such as the detail of a bumble bee, the iridescence of a raven’s feathers, or the warmth and devotion in the eyes of a family pet.
Using a combination of pointillism, pen and ink techniques, and watercolour, Pyper skillfully recreates her experiences through her art, sharing the way she sees the world with others.
Given the transparency of watercolour, it is considered by most artists to be an unforgiving medium with little room for error. This makes the detail of her work even more inspiring.
The subtlety of shadow is skilfully introduced to capture the detail of a white winter scene, the weave of a nest, or the newness of spring foliage. In her turn to visual arts Pyper also discovered an unexpected niche — painting pet portraits.
Commissioned as personal gifts, keepsakes, and tributes these portraits have included many different breeds of dogs, cats and exotic birds and are highly popular.
“People are very pleased with the likeness I’m able to create from their photograph,” says Pyper. “I always begin a pet portrait the same way and if I can bring the eyes to life, the rest of their portrait usually comes together.”
Another subject matter she's commissioned to paint are buildings which help families to remember and cherish the places they’ve shared together.
Pyper’s more recent artwork can be viewed for the first time publicly at Whyte’s Framing and Gallery. Those who come are invited to enter their name in a draw for a chance to win one of her original paintings.
Whyte’s is at 1225 Lazo Rd. in Comox. During the two-week show, Pyper's art work can be viewed at any time during regular business hours (Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m).
For more information and to view samples of Sue’s artwork, visit www.suepyper.ca.
— Sue Pyper