Reflections of Nature opens May 12

MUSKOKA — For Janine Marson, art is not about painting pleasant pictures. Rather, it has everything to do with who she is as a person, and what she feels is important and worthy of fighting to protect.
Her upcoming solo exhibition at Muskoka Arts & Crafts’ Chapel Gallery is a collection of original acrylic, watercolour and pastel paintings that speaks to Marson’s convictions and world view.
“The show is called Reflections of Nature but is more than that as it is also a reflection of me and who I am,” said Marson.
While nature and the need to protect it is often her focus, much of Marson’s work also gives a deeper insight into the artist. Inspiration comes from the simplest of things — the sparkle of dew on a unfolding leaf, diamonds of light dancing on the surface of water or a tightly wound fiddlehead emerging in the sunlight.
“I haven’t lost my childlike sense of awe. I am amazed by the beauty of it all,” explained Marson.
Marson became involved with her art at a young age. All she ever wanted for Christmas or birthday gifts were art supplies. A significant turning point in her life happened when she met A. J. Casson, one of the members of the Group of Seven.
“I was about eight years old and my parents owned a tourist resort near Algonquin Park,” related Marson. “Casson had asked permission to paint on location on our beach facing the Oxtongue River. When I found out about it, I tore down to the beach, carefully approached him and asked if I could stay and watch him paint. He agreed so long as I didn’t ask any questions. I stood in awe watching him paint in my backyard. Not long after that, I announced to my parents that I was going to be an artist when I grew up.”
For the past 25 years, Marson has been steadily pursuing that dream. She attended Georgian College in Barrie and earned a three-year diploma in art. This was followed by a B.A. in Fine Art from the University of Guelph. To support herself, Marson has worked at a variety of jobs ranging from art retail sales to picture framing.
An active member of Muskoka Arts & Crafts, Marson regularly participates in many of the organization’s programs. In 2011, she was one of 16 artists selected by the organization to attend the Muskoka Artists Marketplace at the Spring One of a Kind Show and Sale in Toronto. She is a supporter of the TD Canada Trust – Friends of the Environment and also uses her artistic skills to help with fundraising for local charities such as the Huntsville Animal Shelter.
To construct her paintings, Marson predominately works from quick sketches or charcoal studies. Sometimes, she will work from a memory of a place as it evokes all of her senses as she recalls the experience. For detail work of moss or foliage, a photograph will be taken.
When the painting process begins, it is energetic.
“I stand to paint,” explained Marson. “I dance back and forth. Sometimes I am in an attack mode and aggressive with my brush. At other times, I am coaxing a subtle glaze over an area of the canvas. For me, painting is very physical.”
Marson is excited about her one-woman exhibition at the Chapel Gallery.
“I have always seen my art as a way to encourage a response from the viewer,” she remarked. “My greatest hope is that the viewer will feel connected to a living breathing earth and want to protect it for all it is worth. If the viewer can get beyond an appreciation of the beauty and into a deeper sense of responsibility, then I will achieve my goal.”
Reflections of Nature opens with an artist’s reception on Saturday, May 12 between 1 and 4 p.m. The show runs at Muskoka Arts & Crafts’ Chapel Gallery from May 12 until June 9.
The Chapel Gallery is located at 15 King Street in Bracebridge. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with admission by donation. For more information, please visit muskokaartsandcrafts.com, or call 705-645-5501.

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