Image above: a detail from “Ponds”, one of Laurie’s three watercolour paintings of Sable Island.
The artist, Laurie, is a 12-year-old student attending school in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She painted three scenes to illustrate features of Sable Island’s landscape and wildlife, and added a note to each painting to highlight a few interesting details about the island.
“I have always loved drawing as long as I can remember. A couple of years ago, I took art classes after school, but not specifically for painting. I think I developed interest in watercolour about two years ago. Watercolour is my favourite medium. I like the bright colours, and I love blending them with water. I like all the techniques you can use with watercolour, including overlapping fine sharpies. When I start a painting, I have a good idea of the colours I want to add. But as I paint I usually add brighter colours than the ones I had imagined. I like painting nature and animals.”
Regarding her interest in Sable Island, Laurie explained: “My mom visited Sable Island several times and she’s talked to us about it and I’ve seen her photos. I have also read the book Free as the Wind by Jamie Bastedo with paintings by Susan Tooke, which was given to me when I was born. I love to research about the island. I really love the wild horses and find them beautiful, with the surrounding dunes and ocean.”
“Dunes”, horses grazing in meadows of beach grass sheltered by high dunes. (20 x 26 cm)
“Seals”, grey seals hauled out on the beach. (20 x 26 cm)
“Ponds”, a family band of Sable Island horses near a freshwater pond during a summer evening. (20 x 26 cm)
Paintings by Laurie
For the Sable Island Institute, January 2020
5 Responses
These paintings are lovely! It is exciting to see talent and passion combined in this young artist.
What a wonderful job she has done. Thanks for sharing.
These are wonderful, Laurie!
I think I was doing much the same as you when I was your age– My work, although now much abstracted, is also inspired by nature.
Best wishes on your continued involvement in the visual arts. I look forward to meeting you some day.
Susan
I like your artwork. I like all your colours.
🌷🌺🌞😻🌈⛄️
I am 6 years old in grade 1.
These are beautiful paintings that make me want to visit Sable Island. Thank you for sharing your work.
I wish you continued success in your artistic endeavours.