The Artym Gallery in Invermere is pleased to present an exhibition featuring two master painters — Min Ma and Neil Patterson. The exhibition opens Friday (May 18) with an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. with Neil Patterson in attendance, and will continue until Sunday, May 27.
Min Ma received his training in China and was a professor of art at the Beijing academy of art. Since his move to Canada in 1986, Min has been capturing and creating stunning Western landscapes. Ma’s understanding of colour and light sets him apart as an artist; those who paint are especially in awe of his ability to transform a rather ordinary scene into an extraordinary painting.
Neil Patterson is an icon in the western Canadian art scene. He has taught literally thousands of students, is a member of the prestigious Salmagundi Club in New York, was the first Canadian artist to gain signature membership in Oil Painters of America, went on to become the first Canadian master recognized by that organization and is now the president. To top it off, Neil recently received a lifetime achievement award from the Federation of Canadian artists, which, Neil jokes “usually you only receive after you die.”
Patterson paints his “own little world”. His technique and approach is all about painting places that touch his imagination and soul. “I paint places that I’d like to be, places that I’d like to go.” He also notes that colour is very important in his pieces: “We are warm-blooded creatures, so we like warm things; we relate better to warm colours – it’s human nature.” His style of work, impressionism, is all about giving indication, but not specifics; “I don’t draw on my paintings,” Neil explains, “I just put down colour marks… a certain colour would show as a building in the distance.”
These two artists are exceptional landscape painters and are considered masters in their field. With over half a century of experience between them, this is a show not to be missed. The show can also be viewed online at artymgallery.com.
—Deanna Berrington