One in a series of articles profiling local artists, in the run-up to the Ashcroft Art Club’s 50th anniversary show. The show runs from April 21 to April 25, 2017 at St. Alban’s Church Hall.
“I took art classes in high school, but it kind of went by the wayside,” says artist Marianne Munro of her interest in artwork. “You know how it is with work and kids.” Now that she has retired, Munro has the time to devote to her painting. However, she notes that painting on canvas is a small part of her creative life.
“Now that I’m retired, I have time for lots of things. I love wood-working; it’s fun and creative. I’ve built lots of arbours and structures around our yard.”
Munro built a quilt rack, then painted a cougar (pictured) and a wolf on either end. All photos courtesy of Marianne Munro.
When she paints she works mostly in acrylic. “I like it because it dries fast, and you can correct mistakes. Acrylic paint has changed over the years. It’s easy to handle, and there are no horrible smells.”
Last year she had five paintings at the show; the first time she displayed work at the art show. “I wasn’t quite ready to put anything in the 2015 show.” This year she will have eight paintings on display. “I’m stepping it up a notch, and have one left to finish.”
Munro loves photography, and says she does a lot of picture-taking. “If I find a really good picture, I’ll paint that. I like animals a lot, and enjoy them the best. Their eyes: there’s such an expression there. Painting makes it come alive.”
'Brandie' shows Munro's border collie resting on the sand at Nicola Lake.
She says she’d like to do more portrait painting. “I’m working on it, and working on the skills for that.” She also likes doing landscape paintings, of subjects close to here and far away. “I love the landscape around here.”
Munro is in her second year as a member of the Ashcroft Art Club. “I’ve got together with others on Wednesdays, and have done workshops. It’s a real learning thing. We had an artist in from Kamloops for a weekend workshop, and that definitely has its advantages. It’s a real learning thing.”
'Giants of the Bayou' is based on a photograph Munro took while vacationing in the New Orleans area.