Bruce Steinhoff – recreating Canadian landscape

Originally from Simcoe, Ontario, Bruce Steinhoff is primarily a self-taught artist and has portrayed the rugged Canadian terrain for many years. In his many travels across Canada, Bruce often takes photographs to work from once he returns home.

His unique brushwork is sharp, bold and creates a sense of movement within each piece. The subtle palette with hints of bright hues showcases the diverse landscapes Canada has to offer. His vivid depictions are reminiscent of the Group of Seven.

His work can be seen in many collections and at Gallery de Boer – Fine Art & Jazz.

Heidi Berger: bringing order to randomness

Born in Germany and immigrated to Canada as a child, Heidi studied art in Canada and France and creates multi-layer pieces that focus on the lives of women. She describes herself as an observer and a witness and looks for people who “speak” to her with their gestures or looks.

Her technique consists of layering and pouring paint, re-working scrubbed surfaces and incorporating collage. Text has always been important to Heidi, and various phrases show up within her paintings. She believes the under painting, abrasion, and layering of the surface have to do with allowing the past to influence the present, bringing order to randomness.

Click here to see Heidi’s full biography and more of her art.

John Mlacak:landscapes, floral, and abstract art

John Mlacak is an artist from Kanata, Ontario who showcases a wide variety of subjects ranging from the traditional Quebec landscapes, floral, and abstract. His unique style and distinctive brushwork sets off his bright palette that highlights the diverse terrain.

John is a full time artist dedicated to his practice. Painting plein-air gives him the ability to use his impressionistic style which can be reminiscent of the Group of Seven.
His work in UnCOMMON GROuND showcases his diverse subject matter and his bold colours that reflect the Canadian landscape. His works can be found in various collections across Canada, and at Gallery de Boer- Fine Art & Jazz.

Cynthia Porter: on exhibit with UNcOMMON GROuND

Cynthia Porter is originally from New Zealand and later immigrated to Canada in the 1970’s. She always had a passion for art, but it wasn’t until her move to Owen Sound where she began taking courses and later earned her Fine Art diploma, and Bachelor of Arts degree.

Cynthia’s work focuses upon the layering and collage techniques. She is drawn to the landscape and often takes inspiration from the textures and organic shapes. She often collages found papers such as books, maps, and wallpaper and incorporates beeswax into the paint. She feels the element of surprise happens when she distresses the multiple layers and manipulates the surface. Her paintings are a combination of preconceived shapes and symbols and abstract gestures and marks.

The abstract and figurative works in the UnCOMMON GROuND exhibition showcases her wide range of works. New pieces with bold colours and heavy textures evoke a “subtle blend of the conceptual and the sensual” and a sense of journey. Porter’s work could be summarized as “meditations on the convergence of land, time, and memory.”