Dreamlike visions of horses filled with soft light and color are the work of Canadian artist Shernya Vininsky. See more of her mixed media artwork by visiting her website.
“Royal Blue” Acrylic and Watercolour, 30” x 40”
My story begins in Montreal. At age six, I moved to a suburb called Ville St. Laurent. It was at that time, in this almost country-like setting, that I began dreaming of horses and growing flowers. With encouragement from my art teacher in high school, I developed a love of art. There was a country road nearby, and being the adventurous types, my friend and I ventured into a whole new world of horses and horseback riding. I was in love with these animals, and many years later I ended up buying a horse of my own.
“Forces of Nature” Acrylic and Watercolour, 12” x 12”
That love of animals brought me to University of Guelph to pre-veterinary studies. While there, I was also drawn to the gorgeous greenhouses full of flowers on campus. I ended up taking night courses in horticulture and eventually pursued full-time studies in agriculture. I graduated with a BS degree in agriculture. My major was ornamental horticulture.
“Head Hunters 2” Acrylic and Watercolour, 30” x 20”
Many years later, I moved out to Hudson, Quebec, with my husband to live on a ten acre hobby farm where I could finally bring my horse home and create my beloved gardens. Twenty-two years later, we still live here and my passion for painting is stronger than ever. We built a beautiful stable for our horses which also happens to include a huge studio.
“Togetherness” Acrylic and Watercolour, 20” x 18”
Throughout the years, I have taken many painting workshops with some well known practicing artists. In addition to gardening and painting, I now hold painting workshops.
“Brown and Orange” Acrylic and Watercolour, 30” x 40”
With encouragement from my husband I applied to, and eventually graduated with honours from, the B.F.A program from Concordia University in Montreal. While my studies at the university gave me a lot of background in art, it was through workshops that I learned more about composition, the elements and principles of designing a painting and the importance of self critiquing.
“Dancing in the Moonlight” Acrylic and Watercolour, 20” x 24”
I am represented by a wonderful gallery in Vermont—Tilting at Windmills—and occasionally show in Saratoga Springs, New York, during the racing season.
“Head Hunters” Acrylic and Watercolour, 24” x 52”
It wasn’t until I took a workshop in mixed media that I started painting in a semi-abstracted style and both horses and flowers began to show up in some of the same works. My current series is all about light—how white light falls on flowers and horses, causing many beautiful patterns and shapes. I use smooth transitions from shadows into light which almost blinds you to the subject themselves.
“Ghost Images,” Acrylic and Watercolour, 12” x 12”
I have found that bleeding tissue paper creates beautiful textures. I now use this almost exclusively as a background, and if I’m lucky I can almost complete a painting on the tissue paper alone. To begin, I lay the tissue over clear plastic and using fluid acrylics, I begin. I choose my colours beforehand—whether I want a warm or cool dominance using an 80/20 ratio—this creates a satisfying visual tension.
“Medicine Horses” Acrylic and Watercolour, 12” x 12”
Once this tissue is dry, I peel it off the plastic and glue it onto a maple panel. Continuing the process, I use watercolours, which I can wipe off and reapply as I desire. After completing the painting, I spray varnish the surface for protection.
“Hidden Faces” Acrylic and Watercolour, 20” x 22”
My goal is to leave the world a better place through the appreciation of art. I love the life I have claimed for myself and feel very lucky and grateful for this focus I have in the creative pursuit of art.
Artist Shernya Vininsky invites you to follow her on Facebook.
You are life and the love comes from within to paint such beautiful works of art for the good of all. You are truly close to your art.