Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Marilyn Cochrane is back at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre this August with a new exhibition that reaches for the stars, with both feet planted firmly on the ground.

“In and Out of This World” is on now at the Pumphouse until Aug. 31 at the Joyner Gallery, with the opening reception for the exhibition happening this Sunday, Aug. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Those interested will be able to meet the artist and hear about the inspiration behind this latest collection, which brings together paintings of planetary orbs from outer space and images of the beauties of nature on Earth.

“Each is a reflection and connection to the other,” said Cochrane in a media release.

“These paintings all allude to the mystery and awe of the universe, and to the beauty of nature that surrounds us on Earth.”

Her fascination with the night sky and deep space photos of our galaxy is a central influence on her work.

“It is a constant reminder to me of the preciousness of our home planet, and I hope that these images will resonate intriguingly with the viewer,” Cochrane explained.

The artist describes her painting style as “poetic realism,” aiming to create a highly realistic image from afar, with abstracted texture and brushstrokes taking over up close.

She works from photos she takes and her imagination, calling her summertime blooming photo shoots “engrossing adventures into the field.”

She paints with many glazes of both transparent and opaque hues, building colour and texture.

Shifting from thick paint application to light touches, she creates a lively surface full of expressive strokes.

Cochrane holds a fine arts degree from McGill University, graduated with honours from the Ontario College of Art and Design and studied painting at the American School of Art in Paris.

She is an elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists and the Society of Canadian Painters in Watercolour, with works in private and corporate collections in Canada and the United States.

The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is located at 247 Ricardo St. in Niagara-on-the-Lake. To see more of Cochrane’s works, visit niagarapumphouse.ca/exhibitions.