Currently showing at Muse Gallery in Toronto until November 2nd, David Lidbetter‘s landscape paintings of the Gatineau, Algonquin Park, the Ottawa Valley and Temagami offer stunning rural images with a distinct abstract flavour. FLY visited the gallery at Yonge & Summerhill to see the artist’s 6th show there and was treated to a visual tour of Ontario’s most beautiful snowy countryside – David is definitely a favourite of FLY’s.
Lidbetter makes sketches or takes photos in situ then re-imagines them or re-structures the views back in his studio where he incorporates the colours, moods, even the vibrations of the atmosphere into each canvas. “I try to have a unique voice. I love experimenting and trying new things all the time. I try to simplify the landscape as much as possible.” And his paintings reflect just how good he is at doing that.
Established in 2005 by gallery director Jay Belmore, the 1200 sq. ft. space exclusively showcases Canadian contemporary art by approximately 30 emerging, mid-career and established artists. FLY recommends a personal visit to see David’s work as well as other artists whose works are also on display, such as Eric Robitaille whose equine canvases are quite spectacular!
And there are several installations by sculptor Won Lee….
FLY was particularly wowed by this painting (below) by Jay Belmore himself…don’t you love the energy and those glorious colours?
Yes, there’s lots to see at this perfectly curated, small gallery and it’s easy to reach by car or subway, located at 1230 Yonge Street, just across the road from the Summerhill subway. Visit their website to view their current artists and news of upcoming shows www.musegallery.ca
