The Great Canadian Paint Out

On June 11^th, Wallack’s Art Supply had the pleasure of being able to take part in and sponsor the very first Great Canadian Paint out. The event, which will hopefully become an anual event was hosted by The Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour and took place in Ottawa’s Byward Market Square. The Paint Out was designed in celebration of the CSPWC’s 85^th birthday and was delighted to accept visitors to the competition from all over Canada! Tables where set up for art company reps, free demos and face painting were provided by Wallack’s and artists were set up with their easels all through the market and surrounding area.

Intrigued by the exciting idea of such an event, Wallack’s asked Katherine Zurell ,the current president of the Canadian Watercolour Society, how she came up with the plan for such a community engaging affair. Katherine shared with us her journey and reaction to the outcome.

“Art, Education and Community are an integral process for fostering awareness and developing the cultural aesthetic of a people. Together they create understanding and therefore value for the artist and the community. Wanting to find my own way to celebrate the Canadian Society of Water Colour’s 85th birthday,I developed a plan to integrate all of these aspects into a week of glorious fun.”

 “In seeing the opportunity for the Canadian Society of Water Colour to have a teaching symposium, I viewed Ottawa as an exciting opportunity. With a national (The National Art Gallery), regional Gallery (The Ottawa Art Gallery), and a strong local school (The Ottawa School of Art) for teaching beginners of all ages ,Ottawa was a perfect venue to hold such an educational event.”

“The supporting venue to showcase the art of the high calibre painters within the CSPWC/SCPA was the WaterWorks exhibition at the Marianne van Silfhout Gallery in Brockville. This brought paintings from across Canada into the area to demonstrate the success of those who reach such a level with their visual voice.” 

“Lastly, a community event created to share the breadth and variety of vision, skill and mediums was the 1st Great Canadian Paint Out. The Ottawa Watercolour Society, The Société canadienne de l’aquarelle, the Ontario Society of Plein Air Artists, the Ottawa Art Association, The Ottawa School of Art and Wallacks came together to support the CSPWC’s adventure of sharing and did a bang up job!”

“Wow! What an opening of arms to the adventures of the artists in this area it was. Three Past Presidents of CSPWC came, saw and cheered. Even the President of the SCA came from Quebec.”

“Ottawa is blessed with the opportunity, energy, vision and ability to share the journey of discovering ones Visual Voice.” 

The artists entered in the competition had the day to complete their art pieces, which for the most part is a very difficult venture. However, almost everyone managed to complete a piece or two before the judging. Wallack’s had the great pleasure of being a part of the jury for the Great Canadian Paint Out competition along with Esther Meressco Langlois, the president of La Societe Canadien de l’Aquarelle. Decisions where nearly impossible as all the artwork was fantastic! Of course, decisions still must be made so the brilliant judging commenced with the winners as follows:

Overall 1st Prize– John Alexander Day, Ottawa,ON

Wallacks Prizes- All Medium

1st- Bill Rogers, Antigonish, NS

2nd- Jean Pederson, Calgary AB

3rd-   Maurice Snelgrove, Toronto.ON

Water media Prizes 

Presented by Guest Judge Esther Maresso Langois, La Société canadienne en aquarelle

1st- Lou Charton, Brockville,ON

2nd-   Bill Rogers, Antigonish,NS

3rd-    Poppy Balser, Digby, NS

Awards of Mention

Most Colourful- David MacBain, Pembrow,ON

Most Blue Used- Sharla Sandrock, Ottawa,ON

Most detailed- Kwan Lai Franklin Chau, Thornhill.ON

Congratulations to all the winners!

The Great Canadian Paint out was a fabulous success and Wallack’s is looking forward to taking part in the event again next year.

To View Photos click on the Tumblr tab above.