Rachna Singh, Editor, The Wise Owl, talks to Brigitte Granton, a Canadian Landscape Artist. Brigitte’s paintings represent her passion for the natural world. For her it is all about light and how it interacts with colour and form in the environment. She now lives in the hills of King Township, close to the Oak Ridges Moraine trails where she walks daily with her dog and finds artistic inspiration everywhere. She regularly explores the Parry Sound/ Muskoka areas and Algonquin Provincial Park , canoeing, hiking and photographing the landscape or painting en plein air. Granton describes her painting style as impressionistic.  She regularly participates in juried art shows and has won numerous awards. Her art can be found in several galleries, used for corporate logos, and in private and corporate collections throughout the world.

 

Thank you, Brigitte, for taking time out to talk with The Wise Owl.

 

RS: For the benefit of our readers please tell us a little about your artistic journey. What inspired you to become an artist? Are there any artists or movements that have significantly influenced your style?

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BG: I began painting at an early age alongside my artistic father. He bought me my first easel and small pochade box at the age of 7 and taught me how to paint with oils. I still have his large wooden pochade and oil paints that are over 60 years old and are still pliable. I painted throughout my life but began seriously painting once my children were older. I have always been inspired by the Group of Seven, while my father seemed to be more influenced by Picasso, both sharing the same heritage.

 

RS: How does your Canadian heritage influence your work? What are some of the key themes or messages you try to convey through your art?

 

BG: As the youngest child in a family of 4, we spent our vacation time hiking on trails and camping throughout Ontario, most often in Algonquin park. I developed a love for the natural world at a young age and continued camping and hiking throughout Canada, but most often in Algonquin Park. I feel most happy and at peace in nature and I hope my art reflects my passion and love of the natural world. I hope I inspire people to see the world through my eyes and spend time being in and observing nature.

 

RS: Could you walk us through your creative process, from concept to completion? How do you decide on the subjects or scenes you paint? Is there a story behind each piece?

 

BG: My art begins with experiencing the environment I’m going to paint. I spend a lot of time in nature at different times of the day and observe how the changing light and seasons play with the environment. I always travel with my iPhone and take numerous photos. I am most drawn to light and reflection in the environment and am most interested in the interplay of light on the environment. I purposely compose my paintings with my iPhone while I shoot and when I’m home I select the best photos and crop to my satisfaction. I roughly sketch out my composition directly on the canvas, editing as I go. I will use the photo to block in my painting but then I often put it away and paint from feeling, not worrying about copying my photo exactly.  I suppose that I want people to see and appreciate the beauty of simple things in nature; a walk in the woods, sitting by a lake, fresh snow on a tree in your yard for example. As an avid environmentalist I want my paintings  to make people aware of their surrounding environment and to appreciate the simple joy and peace it brings and hopefully develop a deep respect for the land.

 

RS: Do you have a favourite medium or technique that you consistently use, and why?

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BG: I have tried painting with various mediums but I have my favourites. I used to draw a lot with pen and ink and still do occasionally. I flirted with acrylics for a couple of years after beginning with oils, but then returned to my true love, oils. I have many brushes; synthetic and bristle, flats and filberts and use them all. I also love a palette knife and incorporate that into many of my paintings as I do I love creating texture in my paintings.

 

RS: What challenges do you encounter during the creation of a piece, and how do you overcome them?

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BG: Colour decisions can be challenging but I try to keep my colour palette at a minimum for a more harmonious painting.

 

RS: Your works often depict Canadian landscapes. How do you approach capturing the essence of these scenes?

 

BG: I believe to really feel a painting I need to experience the landscape and become familiar with it and how the light, shadow and colours change throughout the day. I spend many hours observing the environment, watching light and shadows and their colours. My paintings may exaggerate colours, but it is how I feel them and use colour to convey mood.

 

RS: How has your art evolved over the years, and where do you see it heading in the future?

 

BG: I think artists are always evolving and experimenting. I went through a realistic phase to start, then experimented with simplified shape and form, experimented with very bright almost primary colour, to a muted palette. Currently I think I have settled into something in between these phases-   impressionistic with a semi-realistic nature, both colourful but with subdued elements. I hope to continue to evolve and challenge myself to become the best I can be.

 

RS: What role do you believe art plays in society today, and how do you see your work contributing to that role?

 

BG: I think art is a personal expression and different for every artist as to what they are trying to convey at the time. With all the unrest in the world, I hope my art gives people a sense of peace and a feeling of happiness and a desire to see the world/environment with the same respect and love that I have for nature.

 

RS: What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

 

BG:  Spend time observing, creating and experimenting with various media until you find your muse and develop your own unique style. Be patient and enjoy the journey and know it is a lifetime pursuit of becoming the best you can be. It’s never too late to pursue your passion.

 

RS: Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you're excited about and would like to share with us?

 

BG: I am excited to once again return to participate in the Autumn Art Sale and Show at the McMichael Gallery on November 29 to December 1 in Kleinburg Ontario.

 

Thank you once again Brigitte, for taking time out to talk to The Wise Owl. This was a delightful conversation. We wish you the very best in all your future creative and artistic pursuits.