Biography
Adele was born and raised in Ottawa and from a young age, drew and painted almost daily. During her first visit to Europe in 1989, she felt transformed by the beauty and stories to be found within the urban landscapes there and they inspired in her a new focus for her work.
By 1995 she had completed undergraduate degrees in English and Art History and a Masters degree in Canadian Art History at Carleton University. Immediately afterwards, she set about painting the European city scenes that had influenced her.
Ottawa’s Byward Market holds many great memories for her and has been a favourite subject for some time. In early 2019 Adele challenged herself to add new themes to her repertoire and has since discovered an abundance of creativity in painting sunlit landscapes, vibrant skies, large scale flowers, and colourful still life scenes of ordinary things from home. She is always energized and moved by beauty.
Over the past 25 years she has shown and sold her work privately as well as in restaurants, galleries, fairs and a studio tour in Ottawa. She taught art for six years but now paints full-time. Koyman Galleries has well represented her since 2017.
Adele’s paintings are in private collections in North America and beyond. She is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) and also Toronto Chapter of the FCA.
Artist’s statement
I primarily paint the urban landscape of Ottawa as well as other places that I’ve visited. I love the details one finds in the city: interesting architectural features; the movement of pedestrians through a particular space; the intersection between what is natural and what is man made; and especially the ways that light and shadows create beauty wherever they land. I find joy in discovering beauty in ordinary places and situations so there is really no subject that I don’t enjoy painting. My challenge is always to bring a unique light and colour to my chosen subject.
I primarily use high quality acrylic paint and a variety of mediums, looking to bring vibrant interest to every painting with texture that enhances the subject. I enjoy using many layers of both opaque and translucent colour to suggest mood and to convey how I feel about the work and the process. Ultimately, my paintings always reveal what is going on in my heart.
To me, a finished painting is a success if I love the way it looks as a whole but often it’s the little hidden gems that were part of the creative adventure that are my favourite parts. Additionally, it is an honour when others are moved by my work and see beauty in it too.
THe Future belongs to those who believe in their dreams
— Eleanor Roosevelt
CV
ART EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Master’s Degree in Canadian Art History — Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada from 1993 – 1995
Bachelor’s Degree in Art History – Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada from 1989 – 1993
Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature — Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada from 1989 – 1993
Membership and Art Related Professional experience
2020 Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA), elected member, Active status
2020 FCA Toronto, the Toronto Chapter of the FCA, active status
2013 – 2015 Chair of Orleans Art Studio Tour, Ottawa
2012 – 2015 Member of Orleans Art Studio Tour, Ottawa
GALLERY REPRESENTATION
2017 – Present Koyman Galleries, Ottawa
2013 – 2015 Wall Space Gallery, Ottawa
ONLINE GALLERY REPRESENTATION
2016 ArtBOMB
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2019 The Blackwalnut Bakery, Ottawa
2017 – 2018 Allium, Restaurant: Ottawa
2017 The Urban Pear, Restaurant, Ottawa
2015 The Ottawa Folklore Centre, Ottawa
2014 The Urban Pear, Restaurant, Ottawa
2014 The Mud Oven, Pottery Studio, Ottawa
2013 Arts Ottawa East Gallery (AOE), Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa
2011 Memories Cafe, Restaurant, Ottawa
1999 The Mud Oven, Pottery Studio, Ottawa
1997 The Upstairs Bistro, Restaurant, Ottawa
1997 Coasters, Restaurant, Ottawa
1996 The Manx Pub, Restaurant, Ottawa
1996 Memories Cafe, Restaurant, Ottawa
1996 Clair de Lune, Restaurant, Ottawa
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2020 Holiday Exhibition of Smalls — Koyman Gallery, Ottawa
2019 Holiday Exhibition of Smalls — Koyman Gallery, Ottawa
2016 Il Primo, Restaurant, Ottawa
2015 OAST — Host site on tour. Orleans Art Studio Tour, Ottawa
2015 SELECTIONS — Annual Juried Exhibition, The Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa
2014 The Green Door, Restaurant, Ottawa
2014 OAST — Host site on tour. Orleans Art Studio Tour, Ottawa
2013 OAST Host site on tour. Orleans Art Studio Tour, Ottawa
2013 SELECTIONS — Annual Juried Exhibition, The Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa
2013 Il Primo Restaurant, Ottawa
2012 OAST - Orleans Art Studio Tour, Ottawa
2011 Shenkman arts centre, 2nd Annual Community Exhibition
1997 Sante Restaurant and Gallery, Ottawa
1996 Nepean Fine Arts League, annual group exhibition, Ottawa
1996 Arts Ottawa East, group exhibition, Ottawa
1996 The Upstairs Gallery, Byward Market, Ottawa
TEACHING
2020 Painting workshop, Koyman Galleries, Ottawa
2017 – 2018 Adult Art Instructional Workshops for South East Ottawa Community Housing, Ottawa
2011 – 2017 Teacher/Director of private, in-home instructional art lessons for adults and children. Private and group lessons, Ottawa
2011 – 2017 Director of private in-home week-long summer art camps for children, Ottawa
2004 – 2016 Occasional Guest Instructor, Chapel Hill Elementary School, Ottawa
2003 – 2004 Occasional Guest Instructor, Maryvale Academy, Private School, Ottawa
AWARDS
1997 ZONTA Club of Ottawa, First prize - award and bursary for young female visual artist of the year
1996 Nepean Fine Arts League exhibition at The Centrepointe Theatre, first prize for acrylic painting: “Alcove”
1996 Art East, annual juried exhibition, first prize for acrylic painting: “Walled City in France”