Uxbridge artist Kevin J. Harper brings his imaginative interpretations of outdoor scenes to life in his third exhibition now on in at the Scugog Council for the Arts in Port Perry.
“Landscapes and Dreamscapes” showcases older and newer works focused on what is real with what is imagined.
“Meanwhile Back at Lake Pleistocene” is directly inspired by Lake Scugog.
While Harper was canoeing through water covered in lily pads, he imagined a prehistoric fish swimming beneath the surface, and the idea sprouted.
He entered his work into a show last year and didn’t get in, but the people at Scugog Council for the Arts liked the work he presented and offered him a solo show.
“You have to have the courage of your convictions and I knew in my heart of hearts that I was good enough to have a show,” Harper said.
The ten pieces took him just over a year to complete. He uses water colour, coloured pencils and spots of acrylic ink to create softly vibrant images.
For example, “Helier’s Hermitage” was originally an image of a church where a sixth century hermit lived. Harper said the original image was very dark, so he brought “personality” into it with bright greens, yellows and blues.
“I especially like the fluorescent quality,” said David Ghent, who attended the exhibition and is part of a meditation group with Harper.
It was not until post-retirement that Harper got fully into his work. After having kids, he did not draw for almost 12 years, but as he slowly got back into it, he kept drawing and had a lot of ideas.
The curator at the Scugog Council for the Arts wanted mostly new pieces, which pushed Harper to focus on new work.
“I wouldn’t have been as persistent unless I was given this show to do that, ” said Harper, “so I’m very grateful.”
On Oct. 18, Harper held a meet the artist session for open discussion with people attending the exhibition.
“I love the colours. I love the organic feel of it,” said Alice Colby. She is a regular at the Scugog Council for the Arts and has bought several pieces of art there.
Harper said it is very important to make art accessible.
After a career in book publishing and with a passion for art books, Harper knew making his art accessible was one of his top priorities.
He avoids expensive glass frames and uses floating wooden frames for his original work as a cheaper alternative. He also offers a wide array of prints for customers.
Harper’s next idea is “Islands and Bridges,” which would be built around older works. He hopes this exhibition will be held within the next couple of years.
“Landscapes and Dreamscapes” is running from Oct. 11 to Nov. 11.