LAVERN HELEN HILLIER
ASSOCIATE OF VICTORIA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC- PIANO TEACHER – 35 YEARS
Retired – Former member of BC Registered Music Teachers Association
Active Member of FCA – Nanaimo Chapter
Member of Ladysmith Gallery
Member of Nanaimo Group of Artists
Acrylic Landscape Artist: My usual paintings depict scenes in which my husband and I have walked, boated, skied and travelled. My art work is a journal of some of the highlights of our weekly adventures. We have lived in central Vancouver Island, spending most of our time in Port Alberni.
My philosophy could be described as “Out & About”. I have a curious nature, I am interested in new experiences and what lies around the bend. What is next? A new career, a stray ray of light, a new technique or new friends and places?
I have been married Frank for 58 years, with 3 grown daughters, son in laws, as well as 5 grandchildren. They, plus numerous friends and relations are all cheering me on while I paint.
My FCA membership has put me in contact with numerous opportunities to take great workshops from a variety of professional artists: Mark Hobson (Tofino & NFCA), David Goatly, David Langevin, Mike Svob, David McKeon, Denise MacNeill, Diana Pointing, Alan Wylie, Jill Elhert (collage), Patricia Mansell (an NFCA member but workshop was arranged in the Old School House, Qualicum), and Blu Smith. Mostly, these workshops were arranged by Nanaimo FCA. Their instruction has helped me paint a ‘portfolio’ of treasured memories. Each painting reminds me of a place of beauty or a place I’ve travelled to.
Recently I splurged and bought an iPad Pro plus an iPencil. I totally enjoy using the Procreate App to draw and paint. I did some quick sketches on this amazing device, sent it to Print 3 and voila! Cards were printed.
If someone wants to buy my art, they are buying a piece of my life. I find that very exciting. When I set out on a voyage to do a painting, I am thrilled to be able to use the skills I have attained to express my joy of a scene on canvas. It doesn’t always work, so then there is frustration, but if I like the memory enough, I will persist. If the painting gives me joy when completed, I get it scanned by Brad Grigor of Turning Point Arts, Saltair.
He makes a copy for my portfolio plus a copy on a USB stick so I can get giclee prints. The image is ready to use as I wish.
This painting is called "Exploring the Dunes", enjoying the ocean breeze on my face and the shifting sand at my feet. I painted this to remind my husband and myself of our dating time, going to these sand dunes on Long Beach near Ucluelet.
To see more of my paintings, check out my Webpage and Instragram site.
Webpage: www.walkwithme2.com
Instagram: walkwithmeart