Description
For many years now I have greatly enjoyed drawing and painting portraits. All kinds of faces, the very young and more mature.
The idea of painting a town originated with another artist also living in a small town. She had most of her subjects come to her studio and in one sitting, painted their portrait. Her project resulted in 180 portraits done over the course of one year. These portraits were eventually put on display in an exhibit in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, USA. An amazing feat to be sure.
Being from a small town in southern Ontario, I thought this was a fantastic idea, really fun for everyone, and challenging and exciting for an artist to take on.
So it had been in the back of my mind for several years, I just needed the right time, venue and help to get it organized. When I was fortunate enough to meet Lynda Clouette Mackay in 2016, she was running the Chenail Cultural Centre in Hawkesbury. I had a feeling she would be open and receptive to something that really involved the Hawkesbury community in their own art scene.
With the creation of the Hudson Creative Hub last year, and my invitation to be a part of this artistic Centre, it was decided that we would endeavor to promote and fundraise through a similar project. This time 25% of funds raised by painting portraits are donated to the Hub, and the owner of the Portrait becomes a Hub member for one year.
A painting session includes 2 or 3 hours, whatever time you have available, then I take some photos, and finish in my studio. Even one hour will be enough if necessary. Eventually, when we have 100 portraits, we will hold a vernissage and exhibit all the portraits at the Hub.
It is my hope and wishes that the citizens of Hudson and their families will be as excited as I am to participate in this unique opportunity and volunteer a few hours, or even an hour of their time to spend with me. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed, and I look forward to seeing you.
