Seasons
Trembling Aspen Study #3
Populus balsamifera
Watercolour
Seasons
Balsam Poplar Study #3
Populus balsamifera Watercolour and Graphite
Seasons
High Bush Cranberry
Study #2
Viburnum opulus Watercolour
Elaine Funnell, CSPWC, ASA
BIOGRAPHY
Watercolour artist, Elaine Funnell, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. From an early age Elaine was interested in drawing and painting. She was encouraged by her high school art teacher, the Vancouver landscape artist, W.L. Manual.
While raising a family, Elaine continued to enjoy working in various mediums including photography, pastels, pen and ink as well as oils and acrylics. In 1992 Elaine discovered the subtle nature of watercolour. She began painting detailed botanic studies of wildflowers, grasses, leaves and various plants. Elaine enjoys capturing the true colour and intricate detail in each study.
In 1998 Elaine joined the Meadowlark Painters Group in Edmonton, Alberta and the A.A.C. in Spruce Grove, Alberta. This led to Elaine exhibiting in numerous group shows including exhibitions at the General and Misericordia Hospitals as well as juried competitions at the A.A.C. Elaine continues to exhibit her work in various galleries throughout Alberta. Her work can be found in the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and City of Spruce Grove art collections.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Nature and native Alberta plants have been my inspiration and focus for my botanical watercolour paintings.
Preferring to work from life, using watercolour, allows me to accurately capture the fine detail of wild grasses, mushrooms and leaves among other native plants, blending fine art and science reminiscent of the early 18th century botanical illustrations.
My seasonal studies show the plant specimen as it changes through the seasons, illustating life as it truly exists.
In my work, I often include insects that thrive on the plant, not only to create life and interest in the painting but also to illustrate the environmental connection between plants and beneficial insects.
E-mail: dragonfly@ecn.ab.ca