Brian Dalton, well-known Canadian artist and former head of the Norwell District Secondary School art department, is exhibiting his paintings at the Minto Arts Gallery at the Harriston Public Library until April 27.
Dalton taught at Norwell for 27 years, setting up an art program that some considered the envy of Wellington County.
“He was one of those teachers former students continue to remember with fondness and awe, not only for his knowledge of different art techniques and art history, but particularly for his own technical craftsmanship,” states a press release from the Minto Arts Council.
Dalton views his works as representational rather than self-expressionist.
“My work is always about my subject, never about me,” he states.
Dalton’s primary source of inspiration is nature, wherein he finds “a life force in mundane objects, or old buildings and sometimes just in the visual effects of shadows and reflections.”
Since his retirement from teaching and moving to Ripley, Dalton’s painting has become a full-time occupation and he has begun experimenting with more abstract concepts.
“Brian Dalton is a ‘fine’ artist in every sense of the word with his works widely sold and coveted,” the arts council states.
Concurrent with Dalton’s Beyond the Surface exhibition, sponsored by Harry Stone’s Pizza Burger, the gallery will also host several drawings from Norwell students in the entry room and shop.
An artist’s reception for the exhibit will be held on March 21 from 7 to 9pm.
Dalton will give an in-depth presentation about his works and techniques on April 11 from 7 to 8pm. The presentation is the first of the Arts and Lecture Series being hosted by the Minto Arts Council at the gallery, located on the top floor of the Harriston Public Library.
For information email info@mintoartscouncil.ca or call Wesley Bates at 519-327-8529.
