Lorraine Whellams
Lorraine Whellams was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and spent 20 years there before moving to Alberta. My love of the wide open spaces is reflected in many of my landscape paintings. As a small child, I was able to spend many summers on my Grandfather's farm in Saskatchewan, as well as considerable time at the lovely lakes in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. Upon moving to Alberta, the mountains captivated me, and I spent many days skiing and hiking in Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks.
I was educated at the University of Calgary, where I obtained a degree in Education. My love of dance led me to a minor in dance and my curiosity with all things connected to history and people led me to pursue a major in Social Studies. I was able to teach dance for many years, but when a back injury side lined me, my creative bent needed an outlet, and painting replaced my passion for dance.
I have attended art classes at Mount Royal College, the University of Calgary, and Red Deer College. My many artist friends and colleagues have not only mentored me, but continually encourage me to grow artistically and at times, throw caution to the wind.
My art has always been inspired by my fascination of people and an interest in the human figure. I also find inspiration in the outdoors and spend as much time painting " PLEIN AIR" as possible. The enjoyment of painting outdoors is compounded by the camaraderie shared with fellow artists as we attempt to capture the immenseness of the Rocky Mountains or the quiet solitude of the prairies.
A love of travel has led me to Europe, the Caribbean, the United States, South America, Africa, India and many parts of Canada. These adventures are reflected in my paintings. My paintings record my journey through life and also allow me to explore a particular idea or theme and follow it through to the end. Most recently I have been experimenting with non representational abstraction and have found this to be an exciting new direction for my art. Experimentation is an artistic process deeply valued by myself, since it is an exciting, adventurous and ever expanding circle which takes me to places I have never experienced.
I was educated at the University of Calgary, where I obtained a degree in Education. My love of dance led me to a minor in dance and my curiosity with all things connected to history and people led me to pursue a major in Social Studies. I was able to teach dance for many years, but when a back injury side lined me, my creative bent needed an outlet, and painting replaced my passion for dance.
I have attended art classes at Mount Royal College, the University of Calgary, and Red Deer College. My many artist friends and colleagues have not only mentored me, but continually encourage me to grow artistically and at times, throw caution to the wind.
My art has always been inspired by my fascination of people and an interest in the human figure. I also find inspiration in the outdoors and spend as much time painting " PLEIN AIR" as possible. The enjoyment of painting outdoors is compounded by the camaraderie shared with fellow artists as we attempt to capture the immenseness of the Rocky Mountains or the quiet solitude of the prairies.
A love of travel has led me to Europe, the Caribbean, the United States, South America, Africa, India and many parts of Canada. These adventures are reflected in my paintings. My paintings record my journey through life and also allow me to explore a particular idea or theme and follow it through to the end. Most recently I have been experimenting with non representational abstraction and have found this to be an exciting new direction for my art. Experimentation is an artistic process deeply valued by myself, since it is an exciting, adventurous and ever expanding circle which takes me to places I have never experienced.