Paint brushes are out across Pictou County for a major art exhibition and will be staying out for a lively event called Paint Pictou.
All 40 members of the Pictou County Artists’ Association (PCAA) have been invited to show up to three of their works at the association’s 28th annual show and sale at Northumberland Fisheries Museum. The exhibit opens Sept. 1 and works will remain on display until Sept. 29
Paint Pictou, in which local artists and visitors to the town set up an easel along the waterfront or on a downtown sidewalk, takes places Sept. 8. The artists can chat with passersby and can sell their painting on the spot or at 4 p.m. silent auction.
Sheila Green, a PCAA vice-president and show committee member, whose real passion is portraiture, has already completed two nautical pieces for the annual show.
“One I based on a photograph taken by a friend. It is fascinating to me that a fairly ordinary photograph can be enhanced in the mind’s eye for a more complicated painting.”
St. Clair Prest has only to wait for the oil to dry on a large piece but his other choices are still in the works.
“I took a photo at Burntcoat (provincial park) and had great plans but it sat looking at me for eight months. Then I sketched it and it sat another three months but I’m working on it now, in acrylic, and I hope to have it done in time,” he said.
Carolyn Vienneau, also a PCAA vice-president, admits to having seven newly started works in various stages of readiness.
“Apparently, I like the last minute stress of having to paint right up until show time,” she said.
All three are also gearing up for Paint Pictou which is in its third year and growing steadily.
The PCAA began about 40 years ago in painter Dan Munro’s kitchen, Vienneau recalled.
“We thought we needed a group and it has been very useful in bringing artists together for workshops, field trips, shows and sharing information. It gave and still gives us all encouragement to see how much talent we have in the county and how varied our artists are.”
Vienneau also stressed the association welcomes new and accomplished artists.
We have people who have been working fulltime and selling their work but we also have people who are just starting.”
Green added the upcoming show is particularly useful for artists who are not already selling their works.
“The show provides a level of exposure they may not get otherwise.”
Vienneau and Prest have been involved with art from their earliest memories.
“When I worked fulltime, I’d have two weeks of vacation and one of them was for art. I’d go somewhere for a workshop so I could develop as an artist,” said Vienneau.
Prest’s love of art led him to a teaching career.
“Only in retirement have I had the time to really do what I want artistically. I hear something, see something or get an idea and if it really appeals to me I go ahead with it but if not, I let it go.”
Green has come to painting much more recently.
“I always liked the idea of painting but had not done much about it until a friend encouraged me to start. Once I started I was quickly hooked on learning much more.”
She eagerly went on to lake lessons from local artists Lynn Sue Wice and Helen Boucher.
“Both were wonderful teachers and they’d send me back and forth between them to learn various things. As I progressed I knew I wanted to do portraiture so I’ve studied in an online program from California.”
As a relatively new painter, she found the association warm and supportive.
“I began painting as a hobby, just for me, so I’m still shocked to realize I can sell my work.”
All three agreed the social aspects of the group are as important as the business and educational aspects.
“When you get a group of artists together a lot of sharing happens. We offer each other ideas and advice and it can just as easily be newer painters teaching older painters something as the other way around,” said Vienneau.
Prest added he has even picked up old techniques from newer painters from time to time.
“I’ve seen a newer painter using a technique that I once knew and forgot about. Hopefully, I can provide a few tips now and again that may help another painter.”
While the annual show and sale is the culmination of at least a year’s work for local artists, Paint Pictou is all about art produced quickly and with enthusiasm.
“It is part of the Plein Air movement which simply means painting outside. It began as a European tradition but it works anywhere,” said Prest, adding Pictou provides lots of views for artists.
“The local governments in some of our towns have become much more friendly towards art. Our libraries have done a fantastic job of promoting and showcasing art. Overall, we’ve just got a much more positive energy at work in Pictou and New Glasgow, especially.
Volunteers will be running finished paintings and lunches between painters and the New Horizons Centre where an auction will be held at 4 p.m.
