JACK TURPIN - Invites the Viewer to Pause and to Look

I had an opportunity to talk with Jack on BC Day during a garden art show at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery.

Jack Turpin enjoyed a career as a school teacher. In describing his art passion his style of prose, a sample of which I have selected from his website bio material, tantalizes the reader so much, you want to sign up for lessons, no matter what he is teaching.

From an early age I was attracted to various painting media, but the immediate and direct qualities of drawing commanded my greatest attention from that time to the present. However, the undeniable tradition of impressionist and realist painters of the Canadian landscape has exerted the greatest influence in my painting. Having been brought up in a province where the built environment is usually dominated by the overwhelming beauty of its natural setting, I tend to direct my gaze to the literal edges of human activity - where man and Nature overlap, but Nature predominates. As such, the appearance and influence of man’s presence usually assumes a subtle role in the subject matter of my paintings. Recurring themes in my art are soft light and summoning shapes, which hint of a story untold or a destination not fully revealed. I see my role as an artist not unlike that of a storyteller. I invite the viewer to pause, look more closely into lengthening afternoon shadows or follow a beckoning, overgrown path.

It makes you want to see his work doesn’t it? Give yourself a treat and check his website. He is an exemplary practitioner of journaling and his is an art journal. He often displays this delightful book along with his art pieces. It is a veritable collector’s item. What a painter he is! He renders wonderful landscapes but he also has an imagination which requires expression in scenes he creates.

He has received deserved and welcome coverage in area news and the Federation of Canadian Artists magazine. Enjoy a video "Two for the Road" displaying his work and that of his close friend Perry Haddock. Both were teachers at H.D. Stafford Secondary. They paint and show together frequently (photo of Perry and Jack together). Another close amigo is Darren Perkins, and all three meet weekly to sip, chat and paint.

Jack Turpin's breathtaking website

Acknowledgements:
* Roxanne Hooper, wrote 'Two for the Road' in the Langley Advance, posted on 20 Mar 2009
* Art Avenue magazine, A Federation of Canadian Artists Publication Vol.8 - No.6 November/December 2008, cover feature is "A painting in the life of... Jack Turpin"
* Brenda Anderson, 'Journeys in a Journal' in the Times Reporter, Aug 3, 2007,

GPS Application

Artistic expressions have the ability to influence individuals and cultures in powerful ways. The arts give an experience that impacts the whole person. When moved by a story we want to enter into its action and meaning.

The painting 'Sunrise on the Fraser' is the property of the artist. Seek the artist's permission at his website to use the image.

Perry Haddock has a Show in White Rock through July

Perry Haddock, an artist acquaintance, opened a one person show in White Rock on Friday evening at the White Rock Community Arts Council Gallery at 90-1959 152 Street.

Perry’s subject matter may consist of the luminous whites of a waterfall, or an intense purple shade within a forest, or the happy jaunes of tropical light on a coconut cluster, or an aged burgundy awning of a Paris Café rendered with delightfully free and vivid strokes. Attractively framed this show of Perry's work is a visual treat.

If you live locally stop in at the gallery. Click the link on Perry's name and see his online gallery.(This Painting is called 'Nooksack Tapestry')


GPS Application

Creativity is intrinsic to our humanity. Made by the Creator himself and fashioned in his image we have the capacity to create. Creativity has value in God’s economy and it deserves value in ours. Art is one of the products of this invested creativity. Throughout the world and in every culture people produce art. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1).

Names above are links to websites.

Visual Art is Huge at the Calgary Stampede

This is the last weekend of Calgary Stampede 2009, July 3-13

It’s the Western Showcase and it’s an integral part of the Calgary Stampede. You may not have thought that Chuckwagon Races and Art are compatible. Somebody thought they were. For 30 years Western Showcase has displayed the work of well known western artists until it has become one of the strongest art shows in North America.



Artists apply and the fortunate ones go with their work on display and for sale. Patrons come prepared to purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of art. Among the local artists with whom I am familiar who are at the Stampede right now, are Roger Arndt, Jonn Einerrsen, Brent Heighton, and Murray Phillips.


Western Art is defined as art that is visually identifiable depicting themes of western prairie/mountain culture, lifestyle, heritage and characters. In various mediums artists convey scenes of ranching; landscapes; rodeo; agriculture; first nations; florals; portraits; architecture and wildlife.

GPS Application

God has an intrinsic relationship with beauty. In the context of earth, he spoke principles which birthed carbon coloured space and cerulean skies with golden sun and jade pasture and azure seas and scarlet flowers. He looked at all that he had made and he pronounced it good. If Eric Liddell was correct in believing that God took pleasure in his running it is sensible to assume that God can delight in our painting.

Names above are links to websites.