Kennedy Lake Drive by Joan Larson
Pastel
12″x18″ framed
$1800
An inspired view of the road winding past Kennedy Lake. Anyone driving highway 4 west of Port Alberni will recall breathtaking scenery, those memories are usually accompanied by an experience of holding their breath also. Almost any point along the way is spectacularly beautiful but Kennedy is always there to welcome you to the west coast and to see you off on your way back.
I’ve just posted the official video from MLA Scott Fraser’s Legislative Address to canadarides.ca, I thought it might be of interest here also.
Tuesday, April 26th, 2010, BC Legislature, Victoria, BC
Scott Fraser, MLA for Alberni-Pacific Rim will address the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Artist Joan Larson will be present for Mr. Fraser’s speech and public endorsement of Larson’s RCMP Musical Ride Series.
When Mr. Fraser visited our Fish, Ships & Lost Art Treasures exhibit during Whale Festival he casually remarked that he was considering a public endorsement of Joan Larson’s Musical Ride Series; He agreed that they represent a significant contribution to Canadian Art and that they should be preserved as a collection on behalf of all Canadians. I have to say I was impressed with Mr.Fraser’s knowledge and awareness of the Art scene and the of the many Artists in his riding. His continued support of the Arts is very much appreciated.
Scott Fraser ‘s official website: www.scottfrasermla.com
Statements (Standing Order 25B)
CREEKSIDE STUDIO AND RCMP MUSICAL RIDE ARTWORK
Scott Fraser: There are times in our communities when greatness shows itself. I believe that what I am about to describe falls into that category.
Recently I was invited to Creekside Studio near Qualicum Beach, owned and operated by artist Joan Larson and her husband, Paul Smith, who are visiting us today. Joan is arguably the best equine artist in the world. A proud Canadian, Joan grew up in a small prairie town until moving to Vancouver Island as a child. She worked tirelessly at her craft, perfecting her art, and was awarded the designation of Premier Pastellist with the Pastel Society of Canada.
She is embarking on a series of paintings celebrating the RCMP Musical Ride. When I visited her gallery, I was quite frankly in awe. I recall seeing the musical ride when I was a child, and this brought it right back to me. The quality of this work is phenomenal.
Joan Larson’s depictions of this Canadian iconic event are simply magnificent. Her and Paul’s vision is to take this series on tour to any and all communities that are interested and that have never been able to have the opportunity to host or sponsor a series of paintings of this magnitude or the musical ride itself.
Joan’s ultimate quest is to showcase the series at the National Gallery in Ottawa and bring these marvellous paintings of this major part of Canadian history past, present and future to the Canadian public. I urge everyone to check out her work on the website www.canadarides.ca. The collection is destined to be known as a significant statement of Canadian heritage for generations to enjoy.
In 2007 Joan began the first of her planned series of 20 paintings depicting the life of the RCMP Musical Ride. Last summer Creekside Studio created a special poster commemorating the B.C. tour of the musical ride. Proceeds from the sale of this poster during the ride performances went to a charity helping fund local B.C. communities.
Wild Pacific Trail I by Joan Larson
10″ x 30″ pastel illustration, framed
$3500
This is the view eastward into the Broken Group Islands from Ucluelet’s Lighthouse at Amphetrite Point. “She must have been standing by the second bench from the ‘house..” says a long time local. “Yup.”
Breaking the Ice by Joan Larson
14 1/2″ x 19 1/2″ pastel illustration, framed
$2590
The fresh water that flows from the creeks onto the salt water at Pachina Bay forms a skiff of ice as it freezes… very small waves break the thin ice, forming a pattern as the tide recedes.
Botanical Beach by Joan Larson
12″x16″ pastel illustration, framed
$1800
Deep blues of the foreshore contrast with the rocks. It’s a favorite piece amongst people who have spent some time on the rocky intertidal beaches of the island’s west coast.
