Jane Ewen solo exhibit reception at Galeria Regina April 14

Galeria Regina presents artist Jane Ewen for its main exhibition in April. Ewen is brimming with energy ? just like the vibrant paintings she creates. For her show, ?Prima Vera: Exploring the Nuance of the Changing Season,? Ewen will share her newest series of paintings. The bright colors and urgency of her work reflect the subject she has chosen to explore ? the beginning of spring, that push for life that comes as winter ends. The exhibition opened at Galeria Regina on March 10 and continues through April 29. A reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 at the gallery-s 1716 Richmond Ave location. Ewen is an avid mountain bicyclist and also loves to walk where she can observe nature. She recently started to notice the changes in her surroundings, the hints of yellow ochre coming to the trees in the Arboretum, the arrival of birds and buds on limbs. She says she was inspired to take a microscope to nature, noticing the subtle details of the seasons changing. The resulting works explore amoebas of colored washes, hints of landscapes, textures of netting and leather and the nuanced emergence of hues and shapes. Ewen was also influenced by a line in the poem ?Trees,? by Philip Larkin, ?The trees are coming into leaf/ like something almost being said.? ?There-s a real subtly to spring,? she said. ?There-s also a pop in color. It-s what happens when we introduce water and sunshine to a bleak landscape.? Originally from Canada, Ewen studied art education at the University of Toronto and received a diploma in art fundamentals from the Sheridan School of Art and Design. She has taught art classes and workshops and previously owned a mural company. Now Ewen paints full time. She enjoys taking time to experiment with her work. ?I have found a way to make the paint separate and the pigments coalesce to create a textural grainy effect,? she said. She developed an intuitive style with her art, building layered washes and developing organic shapes ? some of the paintings hint at Georgia O-Keefe, others evoke the seaside. Some of her work is calm and ethereal, other paintings are free-flowing and lively. Ewen believes the contrasting sides of her paintings reflect her personality. ?I-m so busy most of the time, but then you have to take time to meditate and reenergize,? she said. Currently, Ewen has limited time to meditate. The artist is busy preparing for exhibit at Galeria Regina. ?I love working under pressure,? she said. Galeria Regina showcases work by contemporary artists using a variety of media. With an emphasis on abstract work, the gallery offers several styles and sculptural work as well. Gallery owner Regina Verani was drawn to Ewen-s work because of the colors. ?The way she uses color is beautiful, inspiring and different,? she said. Verani said she is always on the look out for unique artists to exhibit. She currently represents 12 artists and is also an artist. ?I just love to be surrounded by artwork,? Verani said. Galeria Regina is open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The gallery is also available by appointment. For more information about the exhibit, visit www.galeriaregina.com.