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Newsletters>
Pictograph Newsletter Feb. 16, 2009
February 12, 2009
Valerie Fraser
With the assistance of The Ontario Arts Council, artist Cher Pruys exhibits her work at The Pictograph Art Gallery this February. "The Art of Cher Pruys" is an absolute must see if you are a fan of photographic realism in art. Chers' subject matter is mainly aviation as in this exhibit; however she also loves to paint portraiture. So much so that she has included some favorite portraits in this collection. One painting, of her granddaughter so ably capturing a smug look that only she could own, with such realism it almost looks photographic. Chers' love of portraiture and aviation is also very evident in the painting titled "Thumbs Up" where she has married the two worlds. Even though there is no evidence of a plane in the painting, it lies within the story. She was captivated by a photo pesented by a friend on a relief flight in Uganda. The photograph showed the local children running to greet the landed plane, captivated by their expressions, Cher painted these children, portraying the reality of famine in their young faces. She commented that they all appreared older than their actual young ages and was anxious to capture that awareness in this piece. Cher's visual paintings tell a story. It is mystifying how she is able to project such perfect realism from paint, brush and paper, but she does. I find myself taking a closer analysis of her techniques in wonderment. Water looks like water, chrome looks like chrome, subject matter that artists find some of the most challenging to paint well. Observing her paintings, they can come to life. One can almost hear the gentle lapping of the waves in her painting "Sandy Shore" recognized by locals as the Beaver House entry stations shore in Quetico Park. One can imagine the engines roar breaking the perfect quiet summer days air as the bush plane lands in the bay in "Remote Waters". Or is it the late afternoons sun reflection sparkling on the calm ripples by the marina dock in "Airbase" that especially captivates? Chers paintings beg you into a study, creating a feeling as though you are present in the painting. Artist work hard to give us these visual gifts of time, place and emotion captured onto canvas. Chers' work seems effortless although I am certain it is not. She is truly gifted and it is no wonder that she is also the recipient of many awards, and accolades from museums, galleries, aviation magazines across North America, and in high demand as a commissioned painter. Chers' family, passions, hobbies, interests and district landmarks all make their way into her paintings. I am sure you will smile as you recongize familiar scenes.
Take the Family on a Gallery outing on this Family Day Monday, to The Pictograph Art Gallery to enjoy the "Art of Cher Pruys"
We are located on the lower level of The Voyageur Mall, open Tuesday - Saturday from 12: - 3: 00 p.m.
Thank you for stopping in to see our Gallery and Gift Shop.
We hope you enjoyed your visit and will return.
The Pictograph Gallery - Atikokan Ontario - 1-807-597-4344
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