The title, Revelations 1: Life and Limn, was a big drawing card.
First of all, the spelling of "limn" is correct. The new show at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery (GPAG) depicts quite a number of limbs - arms and legs - as you would expect for a show of the human figure produced by a life painting group. But the word "limn" means "to represent in drawing and painting," and it also stands for another quality apparent in the show: that of light.
Secondly, the titles of many of the paintings are drawn from the Bible. Halfmoon Bay artist Bev Brawley explained that, historically, art shows depicting biblical themes were a big draw. Judging by the crowd that turned out for the launch on a snowy Saturday, the concept is working here. But unusual titles are not the only reason to drop in to the GPAG to see this show. It is the work of amateurs. Several have art degrees or experience, most do not, and there's an energy among the group that comes of working hard at your passion.
Nine women artists were introduced to the foundations and fundamentals of figure drawing in 2000 studying under Thomas Anfield. "Gradually we weaned ourselves away from Anfield," said Brawley, and continued to meet on Thursday evenings to paint a live figure and, in turn, study and evaluate each other's work.
One of Brawley's paintings, Leah of Tender Eyes, achieves that quality of being limned in light, as does a work by Annele Asikainen, The Disciples, in which the Christ-like figure wears a halo. Other works are dark and mysterious. Surely the most distinctive and evolved style in the show was that of Gibsons' Marilyn Marshall. One of her pieces, Male Torso, sold within half an hour at the launch party. Another truly stunning piece was Ada (Beauty, Ornament) from the creative Francine Desjardins, in which the female figure is shown in a richly embellished outfit, a second skin. Monica Robb has progressed greatly with her art. Her Sleeper depicts an awkward figure lying on a diving board in the unselfconscious pose of sunbathers. Janice McFegan has a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, and her colourful piece Don't Look Back reflects this.
Katherine Johnston is an interesting case. With her photographer's eye, she uses paint to depict light and shadow, particularly in her work The Damsel Was Very Fair. Currently, Johnston also has a show of her photographs running at the Creekside Salon in Roberts Creek throughout January.
Margaret McKean came to art late in life after retiring as a physiotherapist, a profession that gives a superior understanding of muscles and tissue, suitable to a figure artist. Her detailed study, Brian's Feet, demonstrates this ability. The gallery at 271 Gower Point Road in Gibsons will show these works until Feb. 6. Hours are Wednesdays through Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m.
