ARTIST STATEMENT, BIOGRAPHY & CURRICULUM VITAE.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I paint for myself and my own satisfaction, not as my career or for great profit. However, I feel if I can paint and do something that I really enjoy and then sell my art at reasonable prices so that everyone can enjoy having original art in their homes or offices, I have accomplished what I set out to do. I love what I do and I want everyone to be able to obtain, enjoy & love it also.
When I work on a piece, I am in my own little world, I lose track of all time and all outward surroundings unaware of any stress of what I might create or what needs to be done elsewhere. Abstract Art Expressionism has become my passion, my challenge and adventure. It's a thrill, a journey, an excitement, an obsession, as I see each piece unfold & come together. You will notice that I do not work in one specific style. I love to put the colour to the canvas and what it creates is a mystery to all of us until I have it finished. Each piece is an invention – completely different from all the others. I enjoy experimenting and expressing myself though colors of paint and searching for new techniques, ideas & textures and I wish to leave the viewer inspired.
For me, Abstract Art always allows the portraying of thoughts, emotions, various feelings and expressions with the colors I put on the canvas. I work in an unconventional method (not on an easel) with my canvas laying horizontal on my desk, table, or floor. Acrylic is my paint of choice and I add products to it to create textures and impasto to my work. I rely on intuitive senses to create what is pleasing to me.
I experiment with many types of mixed media added into my acrylics and I manipulate and move it around to make it flow together until the colors, balance, lights, darks, textures all satisfy my inner self and I can call it finished. In the majority of my work - I tend to lean toward the bright colours. I enjoy working with multimedia and textures which for me creates more interesting pieces of art for myself and the visual eye of others to see.
I succeed with a painting and consider it finished only when I am happy with what I consider to be the final result.
BIOGRAPHY
I am a born and raised Calgarian, now living a small distance from Calgary. I am a self-taught artist, but have taken numerous classes of instruction in Figurative as well as Abstract Art. Expressionism. I started painting on canvas with acrylics once I retired from my Banking career and I love what I am able to do and the successes that I have had.
I first started with Figurative Art completing landscapes, still life & portraits. I then moved into the Abstract Arts and I love the colors, combinations and movements of the paint that can be put on the canvas and the satisfied feeling that it leaves me with. I now work with a variety of techniques, and mixed media's and for me each day is a journey, a challenge and an adventure that encourages me to continue. I am extremely busy in other endeavors and commitments, but with my art, I have a calming and balanced life, which I like to express on the canvas.
The achievements that I have accomplished includes showing my work over the years in many Art Shows & Exhibitions, & receiving Honorary Mention a number of times as well as a 1st Prize in juried art shows. I have also shown work in numerous group shows, solo shows and have co-curated an art show for a group of 11 emerging artists. I have also obtained Certification of Completion in Abstract Art which qualifies me for Instructor in this method of painting.
CURRICULUM VITAE
FINE ART EXHIBITIONS
2016
Nov 5 - Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Assn - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Oct 29 - Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Assn - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
June 3 - Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Assn - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Apr 23 - Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Assn - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Apr 1-16 - Solo Show AWAKEN at Artpoint Gallery & Studios Society in Red Gallery & Stairwell. Then continue in Stairwell in May
Mar 12 - Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Assn - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
2015
May 30 - Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective. I had to cancel from this show.
Apr 18 - Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Center - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Apr - BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective. Main Gallery - Artpoint Gallery & Studios Society
Mar & Apr - Solo Show - Okotoks Municipal Center showing from March 3 to April 30, 2015
Mar 28 - Capitol Hill Community Association - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Mar - Solo Show REINVENTED - Red Gallery - Artpoint Gallery & Studios Calgary, AB March 7 - 27, 2015
Feb 21 - Parkdale United Church - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
2014
Jun - Inglewood Community Center - Group Show with Caprices Fine Art
Jun- West Hillhurst Community Center, Calgary, Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Mar - Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Center, Calgary March 29th Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Mar - Rosemont Community Center, Calgary March 8th Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Feb - Scotia Center Lobby, Calgary Feb 24-28 Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Jan & Feb Okotoks Art Gallery at Okotoks Rec Centre. A Group showing of Calgary Abstract Collective.
2013
Dec - Victoria Park Christmas Market Dec 7 & 8th. Location: Endeavor Arts and Events Space (1209 1st St SW, #200) Calgary
Nov - Rosemont Community Hall, Calgary Nov 17th 10am to 4pm. Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Nov - Fort Calgary Artisans Fair, Calgary Nov 11th 11:30am - 5pm
Oct - 3rd Annual Big Rock Artists & Guests Show & Sale Oct 18 & 19th, Okotoks, AB NB : This show was cancelled due to the summer flooding in Southern Alberta. We hope it will be back next year.
Sep - Oct 4th, 2013 Scotia Center Lobby 400-700 2nd Street SW Calgary AB Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Jul - July Visual Arts Show Medicine Hat, AB
2012
Oct 26,27,28 BEYOND - An Artisan Marketplace Art Show & Sale at Blackfoot Inn Calgary AB
Sep - 2nd Annual Big Rock Artists & Guests Show & Sale, Okotoks Ab
Aug - TAKE TWO - First Solo Art Show at Art Central Calgary Ab
July - Visual Arts Show Medicine Hat , Ab
Jun - Collaborative Art Show at High River Public Library, High River Ab
Feb - Quite The Spectacle - A Showing of 3 Artists – Darlene Beck, Diane Kinahan and Michelle Kennedy at Art Central Calgary AB
2011
Nov - Surfacing Four Exhibition in Art Loop Gallery, Art Central Calgary, Ab
Sep - Big Rock Artists & Guests Show & Sale, Okotoks Ab
Jul - Visual Arts Show Medicine Hat Ab
May - High River Art Society Spring Gala Art Show & Sale - United Church High River Ab
Mar - Surfacing II Exhibition, Art Loop Gallery, Art Central, Calgary Ab March 3-25
Feb - Heart of High River Art Show at The Quill, High River Ab February 7 - 25
2010
Oct - Beyond - An Artisan Marketplace, Blackfoot Inn Calgary Alberta Oct 22, 23,24
Sep - High River Art Society at Carlsons on MacLeod, High River Ab Sept 20 – Oct 4
Sep - High River Art Society Art Display and Sale, High River Public Library Sept 1 – 30
Jul - Medicine Hat Visual Arts Show July
May - Paintworks Art Studio Art Show, St Peter’s Anglican Church, Okotoks Ab
FINE ART EDUCATION
2014
Weekend Workshop with Stephanie Hoogveld January
2013
Weekend Workshop with Stephanie Hoogveld - May
Weekend Workshop with Danielle Bartlette January
2012
Weekend Workshop with Danielle Bartlette, March
2011
Abstract Art level II Course Sept - Nov
Oversized Canvas Workshop with Samantha daSilva at Calgary School of Art June
Abstract Art Course with Michelle Hoogveld at Calgary school of Art June
Oversized Canvas Workshop with Samantha daSilva at Calgary School of Art April
Abstract Conceptual Art Workshop with Danielle Bartlette at Calgary School of Art Feb & Mar
Art Course with Ingrid Christensen at Calgary School of Art March
Abstract Art Level II Course with Samantha daSilva at Calgary School of Art Feb
Art Marketing 101 with Samantha daSilva at Calgary School Feb
Abstract Conceptual Art Workshop with Danielle Bartlette at Calgary School of Art Jan
2010
Continued working from home and began new art projects int he Abstract style.
Weekend Workshop at Paintworks Art Studio, Okotoks, Alberta with Rani Crawford
Workshops and evening classes throughout the year in Abstract Art Level I at Calgary School of Art
2007 - 2009
During these 2 years, Darlene set up an area in her home to work on her art and she completed many projects and began using different techniques.
2005 - 2007
Attended weekly classes - Jon Williams Art Studio, Calgary
Attended weekly classes - Swinton's Art Supplies, Calgary
Attended evening classes and weekend workshops with instructor / artist - Alexander Ivanov
I paint for myself and my own satisfaction, not as my career or for great profit. However, I feel if I can paint and do something that I really enjoy and then sell my art at reasonable prices so that everyone can enjoy having original art in their homes or offices, I have accomplished what I set out to do. I love what I do and I want everyone to be able to obtain, enjoy & love it also.
When I work on a piece, I am in my own little world, I lose track of all time and all outward surroundings unaware of any stress of what I might create or what needs to be done elsewhere. Abstract Art Expressionism has become my passion, my challenge and adventure. It's a thrill, a journey, an excitement, an obsession, as I see each piece unfold & come together. You will notice that I do not work in one specific style. I love to put the colour to the canvas and what it creates is a mystery to all of us until I have it finished. Each piece is an invention – completely different from all the others. I enjoy experimenting and expressing myself though colors of paint and searching for new techniques, ideas & textures and I wish to leave the viewer inspired.
For me, Abstract Art always allows the portraying of thoughts, emotions, various feelings and expressions with the colors I put on the canvas. I work in an unconventional method (not on an easel) with my canvas laying horizontal on my desk, table, or floor. Acrylic is my paint of choice and I add products to it to create textures and impasto to my work. I rely on intuitive senses to create what is pleasing to me.
I experiment with many types of mixed media added into my acrylics and I manipulate and move it around to make it flow together until the colors, balance, lights, darks, textures all satisfy my inner self and I can call it finished. In the majority of my work - I tend to lean toward the bright colours. I enjoy working with multimedia and textures which for me creates more interesting pieces of art for myself and the visual eye of others to see.
I succeed with a painting and consider it finished only when I am happy with what I consider to be the final result.
BIOGRAPHY
I am a born and raised Calgarian, now living a small distance from Calgary. I am a self-taught artist, but have taken numerous classes of instruction in Figurative as well as Abstract Art. Expressionism. I started painting on canvas with acrylics once I retired from my Banking career and I love what I am able to do and the successes that I have had.
I first started with Figurative Art completing landscapes, still life & portraits. I then moved into the Abstract Arts and I love the colors, combinations and movements of the paint that can be put on the canvas and the satisfied feeling that it leaves me with. I now work with a variety of techniques, and mixed media's and for me each day is a journey, a challenge and an adventure that encourages me to continue. I am extremely busy in other endeavors and commitments, but with my art, I have a calming and balanced life, which I like to express on the canvas.
The achievements that I have accomplished includes showing my work over the years in many Art Shows & Exhibitions, & receiving Honorary Mention a number of times as well as a 1st Prize in juried art shows. I have also shown work in numerous group shows, solo shows and have co-curated an art show for a group of 11 emerging artists. I have also obtained Certification of Completion in Abstract Art which qualifies me for Instructor in this method of painting.
CURRICULUM VITAE
FINE ART EXHIBITIONS
2016
Nov 5 - Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Assn - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Oct 29 - Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Assn - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
June 3 - Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Assn - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Apr 23 - Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Assn - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Apr 1-16 - Solo Show AWAKEN at Artpoint Gallery & Studios Society in Red Gallery & Stairwell. Then continue in Stairwell in May
Mar 12 - Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Assn - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
2015
May 30 - Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective. I had to cancel from this show.
Apr 18 - Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Center - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Apr - BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective. Main Gallery - Artpoint Gallery & Studios Society
Mar & Apr - Solo Show - Okotoks Municipal Center showing from March 3 to April 30, 2015
Mar 28 - Capitol Hill Community Association - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Mar - Solo Show REINVENTED - Red Gallery - Artpoint Gallery & Studios Calgary, AB March 7 - 27, 2015
Feb 21 - Parkdale United Church - group show with Calgary Abstract Collective
2014
Jun - Inglewood Community Center - Group Show with Caprices Fine Art
Jun- West Hillhurst Community Center, Calgary, Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Mar - Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Center, Calgary March 29th Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Mar - Rosemont Community Center, Calgary March 8th Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Feb - Scotia Center Lobby, Calgary Feb 24-28 Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Jan & Feb Okotoks Art Gallery at Okotoks Rec Centre. A Group showing of Calgary Abstract Collective.
2013
Dec - Victoria Park Christmas Market Dec 7 & 8th. Location: Endeavor Arts and Events Space (1209 1st St SW, #200) Calgary
Nov - Rosemont Community Hall, Calgary Nov 17th 10am to 4pm. Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Nov - Fort Calgary Artisans Fair, Calgary Nov 11th 11:30am - 5pm
Oct - 3rd Annual Big Rock Artists & Guests Show & Sale Oct 18 & 19th, Okotoks, AB NB : This show was cancelled due to the summer flooding in Southern Alberta. We hope it will be back next year.
Sep - Oct 4th, 2013 Scotia Center Lobby 400-700 2nd Street SW Calgary AB Group Show with Calgary Abstract Collective
Jul - July Visual Arts Show Medicine Hat, AB
2012
Oct 26,27,28 BEYOND - An Artisan Marketplace Art Show & Sale at Blackfoot Inn Calgary AB
Sep - 2nd Annual Big Rock Artists & Guests Show & Sale, Okotoks Ab
Aug - TAKE TWO - First Solo Art Show at Art Central Calgary Ab
July - Visual Arts Show Medicine Hat , Ab
Jun - Collaborative Art Show at High River Public Library, High River Ab
Feb - Quite The Spectacle - A Showing of 3 Artists – Darlene Beck, Diane Kinahan and Michelle Kennedy at Art Central Calgary AB
2011
Nov - Surfacing Four Exhibition in Art Loop Gallery, Art Central Calgary, Ab
Sep - Big Rock Artists & Guests Show & Sale, Okotoks Ab
Jul - Visual Arts Show Medicine Hat Ab
May - High River Art Society Spring Gala Art Show & Sale - United Church High River Ab
Mar - Surfacing II Exhibition, Art Loop Gallery, Art Central, Calgary Ab March 3-25
Feb - Heart of High River Art Show at The Quill, High River Ab February 7 - 25
2010
Oct - Beyond - An Artisan Marketplace, Blackfoot Inn Calgary Alberta Oct 22, 23,24
Sep - High River Art Society at Carlsons on MacLeod, High River Ab Sept 20 – Oct 4
Sep - High River Art Society Art Display and Sale, High River Public Library Sept 1 – 30
Jul - Medicine Hat Visual Arts Show July
May - Paintworks Art Studio Art Show, St Peter’s Anglican Church, Okotoks Ab
FINE ART EDUCATION
2014
Weekend Workshop with Stephanie Hoogveld January
2013
Weekend Workshop with Stephanie Hoogveld - May
Weekend Workshop with Danielle Bartlette January
2012
Weekend Workshop with Danielle Bartlette, March
2011
Abstract Art level II Course Sept - Nov
Oversized Canvas Workshop with Samantha daSilva at Calgary School of Art June
Abstract Art Course with Michelle Hoogveld at Calgary school of Art June
Oversized Canvas Workshop with Samantha daSilva at Calgary School of Art April
Abstract Conceptual Art Workshop with Danielle Bartlette at Calgary School of Art Feb & Mar
Art Course with Ingrid Christensen at Calgary School of Art March
Abstract Art Level II Course with Samantha daSilva at Calgary School of Art Feb
Art Marketing 101 with Samantha daSilva at Calgary School Feb
Abstract Conceptual Art Workshop with Danielle Bartlette at Calgary School of Art Jan
2010
Continued working from home and began new art projects int he Abstract style.
Weekend Workshop at Paintworks Art Studio, Okotoks, Alberta with Rani Crawford
Workshops and evening classes throughout the year in Abstract Art Level I at Calgary School of Art
2007 - 2009
During these 2 years, Darlene set up an area in her home to work on her art and she completed many projects and began using different techniques.
2005 - 2007
Attended weekly classes - Jon Williams Art Studio, Calgary
Attended weekly classes - Swinton's Art Supplies, Calgary
Attended evening classes and weekend workshops with instructor / artist - Alexander Ivanov
