The latest installment to go up on the hoarding at the Village Green construction site in Creemore is a piece by Creemore artist Jessica Tamlin.
Creemore Community Foundation, the proponents of the park project, have invited four local artists to create original artwork that will later be auctioned off as part of fundraising efforts.
Tamlin said, as an artist who usually paints on a very small canvas, she found it both challenging and inspiring to paint on a large wooden panel. She is thinking of trying other large format painting now that she has tackled this project, which was not without its challenges. Because of the size of the panel, the painting had to be done outside. She often paints en plein air but sometimes on canvases as small as the tiny mint tins she uses to hold has paints.
In terms of subject matter, Tamlin is very much inspired by her community and her travels. While exploring the rural roads with her family, Tamlin takes photographs of local scenes and landmarks which she takes back to her home studio.
Locals may recognize her latest, it’s a sunset view from the 15/16 Sideroad Nottawasaga looking toward Glen Huron.
“During the pandemic we’ve all been close to home so it makes us appreciate what we have even more,” said Tamlin.
Despite the large size and change in medium, from gouache to acrylic, the painting is in Tamlin’s signature style and palette.
“I’m not always sure where the painting is going but I just go with it,” she said adding that she has learned to let it develop organically.
Jon Tamlin photo