Walden Association of Fine Arts

A common vision, and a shared belief in artistic growth brought seven area
artists into creating the Walden Association of Fine Arts in 2004. The group, known as WAFA, have the following members:

Cheryl Battistelli, Barry Bowerman, Debra Lynn Ireland
Jean Kulmala, John Kulmala, Sue Lampinen, Royce Simpson

Back Row: Barry Bowerman, John Kulmala, Jean Kulmala, Royce Simpson
Front Row: Sue Lampinen, Debra Lynn Ireland, Cheryl Battistelli


The association facilitates an exchange of ideas between artists who hold similar views about their craft. It is also recognizes the importance of core learning in order to excel to the next level. The group is essentially getting back to basics and has studied under some of Canada’s premier artists, including Robert Bateman, Glen Loates and Dwayne Harty. Central to the group members' common view is that their work, largely featuring images of local nature scenes and wildlife, be painted on location rather than capturing images on camera, a technique seen as fraught with limitations. The camera cannot capture the subtleties that the human eye can detect when on-location. Cameras remain an important tool to obtain reference points as reminders and to capture specific subject attitudes. One really needs to be on-location to observe the interaction of the subject with its surroundings and the lighting at that moment in time. Colour and natural light are crucial elements in accurate representation of the image. The way light reflects off the fur of an animal, for example, reveals details of its musculature that could not be captured unless the artist is located at the scene. The proper use of colour enables the artist to define detail, to create a sense of depth and to essentially bond the subject to its local environment.

WAFA’s members have a wide variety of interests and have achieved recognition in their specific areas of focus. The entire group is very generous with their art in support of charitable causes.

Susan Lampinen has been recognized by the International Pastel Artists and has had her work chosen by Ducks Unlimited for their National Print Program. Sue was also accepted into Birds in Art, a very prestigious juried competition involving the best in the world.

Cheryl Battistelli, a signature member of the Pastel Society of Canada, has been selected numerous times by Ducks Unlimited for their National Print Program. Cheryl has been selected five times as a finalist in the Artists’ Magazine International Art Competition. She regularly exhibits at the Buckhorn Fine Art Festival.

Debra Lynn Ireland, essentially a self-taught artist, works in watercolour, gouache, acrylic and pastel. Her wildlife art has since been recognized by organizations such as the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Endangered Species Fund of Canada and the Canadian Conservation Stamp Guide. As with some of her colleagues, Deb has been selected by Ducks Unlimited for their National Print Portfolio.

Royce Simpson, has a passion for wildlife and the local heritage. Royce has studied with Robert Bateman, Glen Loates and Dwayne Harty. He travelled to Montana for a course taught by Terry Isaac and Susan Labouri. Royce has preserved numerous landmarks around Sudbury for posterity through his artistic rendering of the structures as they were at their peak.

Jean and John Kulmala, have a very diverse portfolio within WAFA. John, after many years in the fur business, has turned his skill to the creation of extremely high quality fur mitts and hats from coats that have been recycled or removed from active duty. Jean exercises her creative genius in developing unique designs from the recycled fur. They are very busy during the Fall of the year with their crafts and devote the remaining part of the year to their love of painting in oil. Their preferred themes are landscapes and still life.

Barry Bowerman, a signature member of the Artists for Conservation, has studied with Robert Bateman, Glen Loates and Dwayne Harty. Barry has had his work selected by Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print program and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. During the summer, he travels to ~4-5 out of town juried exhibitions (Westport, Merrickville, Cobourg, Parry Sound and Bon Echo Provincial Park). In a time when many of our birds and mammals are endangered and at risk of extinction (and in many cases already extinct) it is of paramount importance to create a legacy of images that can serve as a reminder of the majesty that once was or an inspiration for actions to save them. The same rationale applies to landscape subjects. Barry has travelled extensively and his trip to Africa has provided him endless references for images/compositions to create.

WAFA, as the group would like to be recognized as, is having their 5th Annual Fall Exhibit and Sale at Fielding Park on November 15,2008. Details are summarized below:

WAFA’s 5th Annual Fall Exhibit and Sale
Date: November 15, 2008
Time: 10 AM to 5 PM
Location: Fielding Park Pavilion
(Fielding Road, 100 yds east of SW bypass)

Free Admission
Refreshments Served


Please join us to share in conversation and home baking. It will give us a chance to meet you and to discuss art.







 

Walden Association

of Fine Arts

Cheryl Battistelli     Barry Bowerman

Debra Lynn Ireland    Susan Lampinen   Royce Simpson

Fielding Park

Pavilion

 (Fielding Park, east of SW bypass, Walden)

Saturday,

November 15^th

10 ~ 5

Free Admission and Refreshments

Originals, reproductions (unframed/framed), note cards, and small decorator prints,

… All perfect items for home decorating or gifts.

 This will be a nice place to start thinking about Christmas.

For Information call, Debra Ireland  866-0774

(http://debralynnireland.scarf.ca)

Walden Association of Fine Arts

The Walden Association of Fine Arts was formed in February 2004 and has seven members (see photo below).  Our official name is somewhat long and we would like to become more widely recognized by our acronym WAFA (it fits on the signs better).

Despite the small numbers, the group thrives on its diversity of interests and its inherent drive for excellence.  We have recognized the importance of painting on location (i.e. pleine-air) and organize outings as a group to share in the learning experience year-round.

On several occasions, Sue Lampinen, Cheryl Battistelli, Debra Lynn Ireland and Barry Bowerman have had work selected by Ducks Unlimited for their Ontario Sponsor Print and National Print Programs.  Cheryl and Sue have been accepted in the Canadian Pastel Artists Association.  Jean and John Kulmala’s portfolio is very diverse and they are kept active with pleine-air activities along with their fur craft endeavours.  Royce Simpson concentrates on wildlife/landscape themes from Northern Ontario but also specializes in heritage architectural themes from Sudbury’s early history.  He was commissioned to create a painting for the Sudbury Regional Police Museum.

Back Row:  Barry Bowerman, John Kulmala, Jean Kulmala, Royce Simpson

Front Row:  Sue Lampinen, Debra Lynn Ireland, Cheryl Battistelli

WAFA is having an Art Show and Sale at Fielding Park on November 15th. We would like to extend an invitation to everyone to visit our show and have a chance to meet the artists, some of whom will be working on originals at the show. Details are as follows:

WAFA Art Show and Sale
Date: November 15, 2008
Time: 10 AM to 5PM
Location: Fielding Park Pavilion
Free Admission
Refreshments

Come out and get to know us and share some home baking!

 

                         ©2006 Walden CAN

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