Nature paintings ll Shelburne Art Gallery for new exhibit

May 8, 2025 · 0 Comments

Written By PAULA BROWN

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Shelburne residents will be transported to the beauty of cottage country with the latest exhibit at the Shelburne Town Hall Art Gallery. Artist Wendy Wilson is taking over the gallery from May 5 to May 23 with her solo exhibit “A Glimpse of Summer.” The exhibit showcases more than 20 pieces from her collection.

“Wendy’s artwork is a celebration of nature – towering white pines, shimmering waters, and the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield,” reads a press release from the Town of Shelburne. “Known for her vibrant landscapes depicting the Georgian Bay and Muskoka regions, Wendy’s paintings capture the essence of summer in Ontario’s beloved cottage country.”

Originally trained in music at Western University, Wilson spent 25 years as a vocal and instrumental music teacher with the Peel District School Board. While always artistically inclined, Wilson embraced her love of painting 12 years ago and began studying with some of her favourite artists.

Her paintings often depict white pine trees, which are common in “They all tell a story. Some of them are reaching out to each other. Some of them are by themselves and others are with lots of family,” explained Wilson. “I think about what these white pine thoughts are as they watch boaters go by and tourists visit the provincial parks.”

When approaching a new painting, Wilson will start by going out and taking pictures of the white pines and other natural features in the area of her Georgian Bay home. From there she’ll take the pictures and upload them to software called Procreate, where she is able to digitally change the colours on the picture and envision how she wants the painting to look.

“I’ll do my paintings a few times on Procreate, figure out exactly how I want it and then I put it on the canvas,” said Wilson. “A lot of the time when painting, the thinking and planning is what take me the longest.”

Wilson’s unique style and subject matter have earned her recognition in stores across the Georgian Bay and Muskoka areas. Her works have also been displayed in various art shows across North America and garnered collectors worldwide.

“A Glimpse of Summer” will be on display at the Shelburne Town Hall Art Gallery from May 5 to May 23. Admission to the exhibit is free for all visitors.

The Shelburne Town Hall Art Gallery is located at 203 Main Street East, Shelburne. The gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.