Rosemary FONTENLA 

OPENING RECEPTION, Saturday, September 7, 2024

I began my Artistic endeavors in 1981 at Camosun College in Victoria where I studied for 2 years. Learning Perspective, compositon, life drawing, & watercolors.   In 1985 I took courses with 2 very different artists. First studying with well known Victoria botanical water colourist artist Byrony Lynne-Jones. Next Allan Mark Cross, whose style is completely different, very loose, mostly Landscapes and old houses.   My husband and I moved to Parksville in 2006. I took acrylic painting with Devon Featherstone, and Elissa Anthony a landscape artist whose style I admired.     After I took some time to explore what I learned. I practiced daily and I found my artistic style.

A few years ago I developed and co-ordinated the free art program for seniors “Aging Artfully” and “Seniors Art Program. I taught classes at both Stanford Village in Parksville and The Gardens in Qualicum Beach, where I taught students with a range of disabilities including, blind and stroke victims, even some with dementia. Soon I had seven places to teach. Articles about the programs were featured in the PCB News. We had to close the programs when Covid began. Today a couple of programs are still running via the MAC.

Covid brought isolation and a lack of social interaction. I started a group of seven ladies, we painted challenges all via emails. These social interactions though not in person satisfied our need for human contact. We chose the name “The Other Group of Seven” we each challenged each other to paint things we don’t usually paint. Timelines varied on how long we had to paint the challenge. Today the group still continues but one challenge monthly.

I am currently a member of OCAC, DECOSMOS FINE ARTS SOCIETY and TOSH.

I have participated via the MAC’s in Exquisite Corpes Event since its inception. Three artist, one painting 12X36. Each Artist paints 12×12. One paints the head, the other the torso and the third the legs. Each and their artwork for the next person to continue the painting. These are all revealed at a Gala Reception and prizes awarded. What a fun event! I gained some attention the first year with my head. I develped a semi abstract style of my own. It is in this style that I have a solo show at The MAC in September. Titled “Women’s Faces of the World, Abstracted”. I also have a banner in Parksville with one of my faces which received much attention.