SUBMITTED BY NIAGARA PUMPHOUSE

It’s no coincidence that Marilyn Cochrane’s paintings shimmer with light and energy.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake artist creates her complex paintings by layering transparent colour after colour to create a gem-like richness. Her vibrant landscapes and richly-hued florals are inspired by the splendour of the natural world around her.

A solo exhibit of Cochrane’s paintings called Nature’s Jewels runs from July 3 to 31 at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre. The opening reception is on Thursday, July 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. All are welcome. Both the exhibit and the reception are free to attend.

“The inspiration for these paintings flows directly from the beauty of the Niagara countryside – its bountiful vineyards, fields filled with gorgeous peony blooms and blossoming fruit trees,” said Cochrane, who works out of her St. Davids studio.

The artist has been experimenting with ways to express and enhance colour for years. Her recent acrylic on panel series titled Echoes, for example, juxtaposed small painted landscapes with actual crystal minerals.

“The pairing of the painted landscapes with the brilliant, natural crystals create beautifully poetic echoes between the two,” said Cochrane, explaining the title.

Cochrane has a fine art history degree from McGill University, graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design, and studied painting at the American School of Art in Paris, France.

The painter is a member of the Society of Canadian Artists and the Society of Canadian Painters in Watercolour. She has had numerous group and solo exhibits, has earned many awards and executed several commissions. Her work is in both private and corporate collections in Canada and the U.S.

The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is located at 247 Ricardo St., Niagara-on-the-Lake. Visit niagarapumphouse.ca for a complete list of programs offered.