lovelypaintings.ca

Artist Statement

Beverly MacRae is a Canadian artist who lives in the Kawartha region of north eastern Ontario. She credits her achievements in acrylic painting to a few key instructors who taught her not only the basics but how to view the world in a uniquely creative and joyful manner. She picked up her brush for the first time in 2011, when she retired after 34 years as a teacher and school principal in Toronto. She joined an art class under the instruction of Andrew Hamilton, whom she credits as being her mentor. Andrew Hamilton had a strong influence on teaching her the basics but more importantly, how to feel and be an artist. Beverly is inspired by the vivid contrasts between light and dark, especially in landscapes. Loon Call Lake is a place where she finds tremendous inspiration.

"Art is about re-creating simple pleasures for others to see. If we do not stop to notice, we miss the joy."

Beverly had the honour of meeting and learning from Gordon Harrison. She joined Gordon Harrison and Phil Emond, along with 14 other artists to paint en plein air in Provence France.

"Provence was an experience of a lifetime that changed me. When surrounded by the beauty, all of my senses came to life. I could feel the warm breeze on my face, smell the scents of an abundance of local wildflowers, hear the rustling of trees and all the while painted en plein air on a terrace, at a winery, patio, mountain, hilltop and village sidewalk. That is what it is like to be an artist. You exist and live in the moment. The gift of creativity flows when you are still, quiet and present."