Myla Pirness

Echoes in Art Just Beyond the Backyard 

I am fortunate to have a place in the world I call home. This place is Outlook, Saskatchewan, which is on the bank of the South Saskatchewan river. It is a beautiful spot with a park below the banks. There are walking trails through the park and along the banks. I have found inspiration for many paintings here and, also, from the countryside close to Outlook. 

My art display starts with a collage. In this collage I have pictures from family history and pictures I have taken. Included is a self-portrait painting, a former class picture drawing, and others. 

I continue the display with a painting of an abandoned house. This picture is painted from a photograph I took beside a country road. Another painting I did of friends around a campfire, roasting wieners. 

I painted two bird's eye paintings from pictures of the river taken from the bank. 

I included smaller paintings. One is of a deer in the grass, ready to run, another is of the growth, with wild roses and another is of geese in the river. 

As I drove down a grid road, I noticed an area full of sow thistle. I challenged myself; how do I paint sow thistle? I used the color purple to represent this. 

I could go on and on how this area inspires me to paint, the colors of the landscape, all the way to the horizon, poplars around a slough; but put simply, it's the peace and beauty.

~Mentor: Robin Adair, CAAP Instructor

Myla Pirness: "Visual art is an important part of my life. I have taken local and online classes throughout my life in drawing, painting and pottery. Through the University community art program, I have learned painting techniques and about the use of color and design. I have painted with oil, watercolor and acrylic paints. The paintings in this art show are done in watercolor and acrylic. 

I am retired and live in Outlook, SK. I have lived here most of my working years, however, I have broadened my horizons with travel to countries in Europe and to Israel. I have been to several states in USA and provinces in Canada. 

On a trip to Athens and Rome, our group toured some of the architectural sights, such as, the Parthenon in Athens and the Colosseum in Rome. We toured the St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. While in Vienna, Austria, I visited an art gallery. That was a great experience to see paintings dated in the 1400's. 

If you enjoy art and haven't done so already, consider drawing, painting or some other art form. It's a great way to spend time and, who knows, you may enjoy amazing results!"