I started to paint at the age of 40. I discovered dry pastels at a workshop given by the artist Max Stiebel at Stewart Hall. I was fascinated by the bright colours of pastels. I was a pastellist for the next 20 years.
My retirement in 2005 gave me the opportunity to join associations of artists. I became a member of the Golden Artists of Pointe Claire and a group of “plein air” artists in the summers.
I painted landscapes, birds and flowers. My medium evolved from pastels, to watercolour, ink and acrylic. I started with oils 12 years ago and it soon became my preferred medium.
I am a figurative painter. My source of inspiration are objects, fruit, plants from everyday life. My support has been stretched canvas, and two years ago, paper for oil made by Arches which is later glued to a wood panel. Painting on paper offers a smooth texture which enhances the colours.
I am a member of several artists’ associations and I participate in their group art shows.
Micheline Gagnon Botescu
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