From Doug Platt’s point of view, the world around us looks different when he developed as an artist.
The painter is this year’s featured artist for the Agassiz Monday Painters’ 63rd Annual Art Show.
Platt started this chapter of his artistic journey not long after he moved to Agassiz in December 2013.
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Platt’s neighbour encouraged him to get involved with the local painting group.
“I found out there was an art club here, so I came out to the art club, and the rest is history,” he added.
Platt always had an interest in art, but due to the hustle and bustle of life, he wasn’t able to immerse himself in the hobby until he retired. While he does sketch, he prefers acrylic paints.
“They’re very forgiving,” he explained. “If you make an error, you can paint right over it. It’s easy to clean up, too.”
Platt’s growing love for painting allowed him to see the world through a new lens.
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“Painting is the ability to create,” he said. “When you walk by green trees, they’re very nice, but when you start to paint and you look at those trees, you actually see three or four shades of green, some yellow in there. You look at the world differently.”
Platt draws inspiration from the works of Canadian artist and naturalist Robert Bateman. Based in Ontario, Bateman, now 94, is a multimedia artist known for his striking, realistic depictions of North American wildlife.
Platt recalls meeting Bateman in person.
“I said to him, ‘where do you get your ideas?’ and he said ‘Take pictures, take pictures,”’ Platt said. “Wherever we go on holidays, we’re always taking pictures. I see thing in there that I can paint.”
Platt said he was honoured to be this year’s featured artist among his fellow Monday Painters.
“There are some very nice people here, some very good artists,” he added. “I’m always in awe to be in the company of people that are very good at what they do.”
Platt’s advice for novice artists is to find a good art group and don’t be afraid to learn.
“Just start to paint,” he said. “Don’t worry about if you’re very good or whatever. It’s all time. And every painting you do, you learn from it. You get a little better each time.”
The Agassiz Monday Painters Art Show takes place Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Agassiz United Church (6860 Lougheed Highway).
