DESIRÉE DECOSTE
STAFF WRITER
As part of the Flashback February collection of workshops, talks, films, performances, trivia and more, local artist Luanne Hartman hosted a few paint parties throughout the County as part of the celebrations.
Saturday’s Paint ‘n Pour at The Grange on was sold out as was Thursday’s Paint ‘n Pour Honouring the style of Manly MacDonald at The Waring House.
The landscape which participants were going to recreate on canvas was a beautiful scene from outside winery. The parties are for anyone and experience was not necessary as the sessions are a scaled down, two hour version.
Hartman is a fine and fluid artist who has only been a part of this community since 2017 but loves being part of the artistic collective here in the County.
“As a semi-newcomer to the county, my mind is exploding with inspiration,” Hartman expressed. “Its breathtaking sunsets, rugged shorelines, beaches and coves, vineyards, historic buildings, old barns, roadside markets, walking trails and country roads. It’s no wonder it’s known as an artists haven.”
Hartman’s primary medium is acrylic but she loves the uniqueness of how the paper guides the movement of watercolour and she loves the richness of the pigment and smoothness of blended colours when oil painting.
With having a college education/profession in graphic arts, Hartman can account that training for her realism style and detail when she paints.
As a fine artist however she is mostly self taught.
“Much of my work is realism and very detailed,” stated Hartman. “Now having the time to explore and experiment, I’ve found painting ‘outside the lines’ quite enlightening and freeing. Moving from the comfort of realism, to a more loose style (using only my fingers at times), the expressionism/abstract flow of fluid painting has helped me uncover a new passion.”
The former Bracebridge pet groomer relocated to PEC due to health reasons and hasn’t looked back since.
“Before the County I was in Bracebridge being a pet groomer,” Hartman said. “I had never even been to the County before and, due to health reasons, we decided to relocate and now just trying to be part of the arts community. And the over all beauty of the area is just so wonderful.”
Teaching decorative painting many years ago had introduced Hartman to another element of the joy art brings to her, guiding people through processes and techniques that help them discover their “inner” artist.
“I identify myself primarily as an acrylic artist, providing two levels of painting,” expressed Hartman. “By combining my love of painting with my love of teaching, I have been conducting paint nights at venues throughout the county. This I call my ‘Fun’ art, leading non-artists and occasional artists through a step by step process to accomplish a take home painting in an afternoon or evening. The paintings that I pour my heart into and offer to those who enjoy my original one of a kind work is my ‘fine’ art.”
For more information on Hartman and her upcoming events please visit her Facebook page here www.facebook.com/luanne.hartman.7
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