Ann Willsie: Mackie Lake House Artist-in-Residence
to
Vernon Public Art Gallery 3228 31 Ave, Vernon, British Columbia V1T 2H3
Ann Willsie, "Summer Song V," 2017
oil, 48" x 36"
The Artist-in-Residence Program began in 2010 and involves an artist residency at the historic Mackie Lake House and is directly followed by an exhibition of the work created during the residency at the Vernon Public Art Gallery.
Ann Willsie was selected to be the 2018 Artist in Residence at the Mackie Lake House. For the 21 day residency, Willsie had a goal to produce 21 paintings which comprise her exhibition at the Vernon Public Art Gallery along with some sketches and works in progress.
Willsie’ subject matter is rooted in the landscape representation, but in some instances, she focuses on some of its elements and creates more intimate views of plants and flowers, trees and grasses; other time she portrays the greatness of natural vistas of open landscapes and mountains. The understanding of the properties of colour allows Willsie to capture the essences and impressions of various sites. Her paintings capture the quality of light which is her guiding principle when making a painting. Her brushstrokes are somewhat gestural, jet controlled and deliberate. Willsie is a prolific artist and in addition to her creations in her studio, she has produced bodies of work directly on various sites in the en plein air settings.
Ann Willsie is permanently based in the Lake Country where she has her studio and teaches painting workshops.
Join us for Ann Willsie’s Artist Talk at VPAG on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 1 p.m.