Artist reception April 11, 1-3 p.m.
To acrylic artist Elaine Clerc, art is meant to be shared with the world — including right here in Carman.
Clerc often focuses on nature, landscapes and skylines in her paintings. These two pieces were created using reference photos she took while travelling across Canada
Clerc will showcase approximately 30 of her paintings at the Golden Prairie Arts Council (GPAC) this April. The Winnipeg-based artist is excited to return to the gallery after previously exhibiting there in 2022.
“I look at each painting as a challenge, and when my eyes tell me they are happy, I am happy,” she said. “I get a lot of satisfaction out of this.”
Much of Clerc’s inspiration comes from close to home. Using reference photos she takes herself, she captures skylines, natural scenery and landscapes, often focusing on one eye-catching element that she then brings to life on canvas.
“These things just speak to me,” she added. “And that’s why I love to do what I do.”
Clerc’s passion for art began at a young age. Her parents often gifted her art books, and she always looked forward to art classes in school. As she grew older, however, she drifted away from painting while focusing on other responsibilities in adulthood.
About 10 years ago, she found herself with extra time and decided to return to the hobby.
While visiting art galleries with her husband, she remembers telling him, “This is what I want to do.” From there, her artistic journey began to grow.
Since then, Clerc has taken part in several community and virtual art classes and joined a number of art groups. Still, she says her greatest teacher has been herself, learning through “practice, practice and more practice.”
Often, she aims to replicate her reference photos as closely as possible, matching colour to colour. Other times, she adds her own creative touch by experimenting with different colour palettes.
The process behind each painting — from priming the canvas and sketching the image to applying the final layers of paint — can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.
When she finds herself stuck on a difficult section, Clerc has learned the value of stepping away.
“You just put it away for a couple of weeks and come back with fresh eyes,” she said. “Your eyes will tell you what is wrong.”
She acknowledges that no painting is ever truly perfect and that working through challenges can sometimes be frustrating.
“But it’s important to trust yourself and trust the process,” she added.
When her work is on display in an exhibit, Clerc especially enjoys the opportunity to connect with the people who purchase her paintings. She often finds herself curious about what drew them to a particular piece.
Through those conversations, she’s noticed that buyers frequently mention the same detail she loved most while creating the painting.
“If they say something else — even better,” she said. “Their comments are always appreciated. They are valuable to me as an artist.”
Clerc’s exhibit will be on display at the Golden Prairie Arts Council, located at 38 Centre Ave. W. in Carman, from April 7 to 30 during gallery hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Visitors are also invited to attend a welcome reception with the artist on Saturday, April 11, from 1 to 3 p.m.
