As the cozy moodiness of fall settles around Greater Victoria, it's as good a time as any to take in the works of great artists. At The Avenue Gallery and Madrona Gallery this month, the two featured artists stand out for their acclaimed use of brushstrokes, which give their pieces a very distinctive feel.
Bi Yuan Cheng, Coastal Visions
The Avenue Gallery, Sept. 26 - Oct. 10
When looking at the work of Bi Yuan Cheng, it is easy to see why he was honoured with the title of "Chinese Art Master" in 1987. His brushstrokes, as seen in his works Fall in Edith Cavell and West Coast Sunset, show his signature calligraphic brushwork, his mastery of light and refined use of colour. Fall in Edith Cavell, for example, draws one's eye to the bright pop of leaves on the tree, contrasted against the complementary bluey greens of the tranquil water.
Bi Yuan Cheng was born in 1957 and raised in Jinan, China. He began his art practice at age five, guided by his father, and by 11, he was mentored by one of China's foremost art professors. He graduated from Jiangxi Art University and then worked as a sculptor and mural painter. Cheng has been living in Canada since 1990 where he explores Canadian landscapes with his masterful approach.
His ninth solo exhibition, Coastal Visions, is on view until Oct. 10 at The Avenue Gallery.
Learn more at theavenuegallery.com.
Rick Bond
Madrona Gallery, Oct. 5-19
The works of Rick Bond are known for their powerful and energetic brushstrokes. Paired with his colourful palette and lively painting style, he captures the power and spirit of the West Coast through his art. In Shoreline Rhythm, his unique approach is brought to life with the geometric shapes of the leaves, the textures of the landscape forms, and the balanced use of colour to illustrate perspective and distance.
Bond began his painting career in 1980 and has since achieved AFCA Signature Status with the Federation of Canadian Artists (1999) and is an active member of the arts community in the Okanagan, a place he currently calls home.
This is Bond's eighth solo exhibition with Madrona Gallery and he brings 19 new paintings inspired by the coastal regions of B.C.
Learn more at madronagallery.com.
