Seasons Suite is the title of an exhibition of watercolours by Ona Alisauskas, on display at Meaford Hall until November 22. The exhibition concentrates on differing views of Blue Mountain and the shoreline of Georgian Bay near her home in Craigleith.  

Some paintings continue the water theme Alisauskas has been exploring for several years.

"Water as a subject is an artist's dream: its temperament is ever changing," comments Alisauskas.

"It also can be an artist's nightmare because water is invisible. Painting water is like painting liquid glass. I paint everything that is reflected in it, everything seen through it, and light diffracted off it. Water's subtleties are mesmerizing and the technical challenge of painting it can be daunting. Nonetheless I am compelled to recreate it, not because it is easy, but because it is hard." 

Other paintings focus on mountain views. "I love where I live. I'm a ski bum in winter and beach bunny in summer. I use the changing seasons for inspiration. Seasonal colours are rich and the complexity of the undergrowth is challenging to paint," she says.

Alisauskas uses many glazes of different colours and intensities to build texture, and depth in her watercolour paintings. Initial broad brushstrokes taper to tiny. Every inch of the paper surface is equally worked. "I attempt to capture the beauty and character of the landscape in realistic detail," she says.

Alisauskas is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art, a member of the Ontario Society of Artists, and the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour.  She lives, paints and teaches in her  home, located at 213 Lakeshore Road East in Craigleith, just outside of Collingwood.

Seasons Suite will be on display until November 22 at Meaford Hall, 12 Nelson St. E..  For further information, contact Ona Alisauskas, 705 445-8064 or The Meaford Hall Arts and Cultural Centre, 519 538-0463.