Artist Statement
I took several trips to the American South West (Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico) and soon thereafter spent many years living in Mexico. It inspired me profoundly to paint.
Initially, my portraits of Native Americans from the US and Mexico were my main theme and I still do from time to time but am now concentrating on painting life around me. My paintings range from colorful portraits to landscapes and depictions of every day life whether it is on the beach, on the streets or in cafes. I depict my subjects as faithfully as possible while being true to myself. I am forever pushing the use of color to the maximum, exploring all its possibilities. I use bright colours and large canvasses depicting what attracts me and what I find challenging to paint. I do a detailed drawing at first and really enjoy applying bold, bright colours and working on light and shadow.
I initially began painting in acrylic, and then added gold, silver and bronze leaf to my acrylics. I also paint in watercolour at times, but now work mostly in oils. I paint because I enjoy it so much and get a kick out of my friends’ approving comments.
I carry my camera with me everywhere and capture what fascinates me and then translate these images by infusing colour and that inner spirit in my portraits. I can sense when I start to paint if the work is going to come together; it becomes exciting to see it develop. When the work is completed, I put it away for a while and take it out again to see if it needs any changes. I sometimes rework my paintings and I rarely sign the work until at least a month or two later and at times only when it goes to a show. My heart and feelings are wrapped up in my work and I hope I can share these feelings with those who view my paintings and portraits.
I grew up in Montreal, Canada. I have traveled extensively throughout Latin America and have lived over 8 years in Mexico and have now moved back to Toronto from Mexico and continue my artistic pursuit.Louise Garin
Artists Curriculum
| 1994 – 1996 | Attended the Ontario College of Arts – Toronto, Ontario |
| 1994 – 1996 | Oil painting, acrylic painting, sculpture |
| 1994 – 1996 | Encaustic workshop |
| 1995 | Moved to Mexico |
| 1997 | Painting in Acapulco and Taxco, Mexico with Professors Louise Cadillac and Mike Desatnick |
| Painting with well-known artist Maria Fernanda Carrasquilla now teaching at the UNAM in Mexico City. Workshops in Puerto Vallarata | |
| 1998 | First Solo Show, Mexico City |
| Participated in the 29th Art Fair, The American School Foundation, A.C., Mexico City | |
| 1999-2005 | Painting in New Mexico, USA and Puerto Vallarta with artists Ben Konis and Evelyne Boren. |
| Moved back to Canada from Mexico | |
| 2006 | Workshops with Donna Cameron and D. D. Gadjanski |
Shows
| 2006 | Richmond Hill Art Tour |
| Open Juried Exhibition, The Richmond Hill Group of Artists, Mill Pond Gallery | |
| 2005 | Fall Group Show, The Richmond Hill Group of Artists, Mill Pond Gallery |
| Artsweek 05, Origins Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery | |
| The Canadian Portrait Academy, 8th Annual Exhibition | |
| Richmond Hill Group of Artists Group Show | |
| Etobicoke Civic centre Gallery Origins Juried Art Exhibition | |
| Muskoka Lakes Art Tour, Muskoka Place Gallery, Group Show | |
| Art Aurora – 43rd Annual Juried Art Show | |
| Group show at Gallery Streetsville, Mississauga, “Through my Eyes” |
Professional Affiliations
Visual Arts Ontario
Member of the Canadian Portrait Academy
Member of the Richmond Hill Group of Artists
The Society of York Region Artists