The Edmonds Arts Commission presents an exhibit of oils and pastels by Gillian Bull during the month of June.
Bull’s work is representational, with an authentic sense of place using pastels and oils. She enjoys painting landscapes “en plein air” (at the sight) and portraits in the studio. Taking workshops, painting with other artists and teaching pastels helps her to understand and enjoy the complexity and craft of painting.
“I think there is a universal feeling that when something visual is exciting, people want to preserve it in some way,” Bull said. “Therein lies the challenge that keeps me painting — how to represent that feeling, that scene, that light,” as well as what colors to use, what to put in, what to take out; what to highlight, what to mute and how to use the paint to create a sense of place and to recreate the initial excitement of viewing it. “Painting on site, en plein air, is essential for me,” Bull continued, although she will usually finish a painting or start a new one based on her field study, after she is back in the studio.
Bull was born in Rugby, England. As a newlywed she moved to New Zealand where she taught art and started a family. In 1961 Bull and her family moved to Columbus, Ohio. Bull currently lives on Bainbridge Island. She is a member of Women Painters of Washington, Northwest Pastel Society, and Oil Painters of America. Her award winning work has been featured in exhibits and on event posters throughout the Northwest.
The exhibit may be viewed during library hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The library is located at 650 Main St. For information, call 425-771-0228.
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