October 3 to November 8, 2015
Paintings by Irene Osborne
The Colborne Art Gallery is pleased to present “Views from Here”, a solo exhibition of paintings by founding member, Irene Osborne. The show runs from October 3 to November 8, 2015, with an opening reception on Saturday, October 3 from 2:00 to :00 pm.
Osborne’s “Views from Here,” where “Here” signifies the heart, reveals an inner garden of creative exploration and artistic delights. In addition to the beautiful renderings of landscapes and the natural world for which she is known, this most recent collection contains many abstract pieces focusing on the creative journey. It’s a study of mood and technique, rather than a focus on the destination. “To me, it’s the act of creation that is of interest, rather than the end result,” Osborne says. This love of the journey, the very adventure of artistic creation, is at the heart of her work.
Running concurrently in the Media Room is “Robot Home Movies” by gallery member Rod Bergeron. Works by the rest of the gallery members will also be on display. All are welcome, admission is free, and The Colborne Art Gallery is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions, please email
Scenes from the Opening Reception
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Press
Photos: Osborne featured artist at Colborne Art Gallery exhibit
Photos: Members featured at Colborne Art Gallery exhibit
Article: Osborne featured artist at Colborne Art Gallery exhibit
COLBORNE – The final weeks of summer often evoke a bittersweet sentiment. Nostalgia tugs at the heart with the fragrance of ripening fruit or the view of the first trees changing colour along country roads. Such was my feeling as I drove out to pay artist Irene Osborne a visit in her Castleton studio recently. As I took in the vistas and gardens surrounding her farmstead deep among the hills, the source of much of her inspiration became clear to me.
Osborne’s upcoming exhibition, titled “Views from Here,” where “Here” signifies the heart, reveals an inner garden of creative exploration and artistic delights.
A member of The Colborne Art Gallery since its inception in the late nineties, Osborne has become known for her beautiful renderings of landscapes and the natural world. But her body of work covers an even greater range of artistic modes. Her most recent collection contains many abstract pieces, focusing on the creative journey, a study of mood and technique, rather than a focus on the destination. “To me, it’s the act of creation that is of interest, rather than the end result,” Osborne says. This love of the journey, the very adventure of artistic creation, is at the heart of her work.
Those who have come to know the artist and her creativity, know that Osborne does not shy away from experimentation, and does not tie herself down to any particular style. But even as such, her work is recognizable by her refined use of colour, sensitive brushwork, and moods that reflect gentle transitions, much in the way we experience the changes of the seasons or our own conscious and subconscious thoughts.
Among her current works is a series of four abstract paintings representing the four seasons. Playing with limited colour schemes, gradation and brushstrokes, they explore a dialogue that is sparked as the paint is applied, without a plan or expectation of its result. Each painting is defined by its palette, and built up with gradual or sometimes sudden changes in direction and length of brushstrokes.
Another series is defined by light, or the effort to preserve light as paint is applied in thin, transparent layers of acrylic glaze. The result is a remarkable luminescence as light comes forward and dark recedes. Osborne’s skill as a painter comes through in these artworks, as they positively glow with a soft radiance. Within the glazed compositions are small graphic elements of opaque colour, generating an interesting divergence.
Whether you prefer abstract or representational painting, there is something inherently satisfying in any piece from Osborne’s body of work. The artist is largely self-trained, not having studied art in school, but acquiring and developing her technique through various classes and guidance from mentors at the Cobourg Art Club. Through discourse with other artists, Osborne’s visual vocabulary emerged, and as she describes it, basic elements such as the line became exciting, teeming with endless possibilities. This excitement has never faded and throughout the years, her compositions have remained as fresh and stimulating as they are comforting, much as the landscape that surrounds and inspires her in daily life.
So, as you are out exploring the lore of the natural world at this time of seasonal migrations, and the colours and textures of the endless panoramas along our roads, come in to The Colborne Art Gallery for a moment of quiet contemplation, an experience that is so enhanced by the artwork of one of our most venerable members.
“Views from Here” opens on Saturday October 3, with a reception from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Come and meet Irene Osborne and the other members of The Colborne Art Gallery, whose work will also be on display. All are welcome, admission is free and the gallery is wheelchair accessible. Regular gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12 noon to 5:00 pm, and the show runs from October 3 to November 8. For more information, please visit www.thecolborneartgallery.ca or phone 905-355-1798.
– Monika Devine
The Colborne Art Gallery Presents: “Views from Here” Paintings by Irene Osborne
October 3 to November 8, 2015
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 3, 2:00 – 4:00 pm