Wednesday, June 15th, 2005, The Brampton Guardian
TINA DEPKO, Staff Writer

Photo by BRYON JOHNSON
Brampton artist Bridget Doughty with three of her still life paintings. More than 30 of her works are currently on display at the Golden Pheasant Gallery until July 4.

Bridget Doughty's paintings demonstrate the skill and technique of an artist who has honed her craft.

Her works bring everyday items to life, whether it is a tin bowl full of brilliant gala apples or a pitcher overflowing with colourful wildflowers.

Doughty's works are on display until July 4 at the Golden Pheasant Gallery.

Visitors to the gallery will be surprised to learn than Doughty is completely self-taught.

"I was always interested in art, but I didn't have time for it because I was raising my six kids," Doughty said.

Doughty's children knew their mother always wanted to be an artist. Her second oldest son, Simon bought her an easel, brushes and a set of oil paints in 1979.

"I was so happy," Doughty recalled. "I started painting and I didn't stop."

Doughty worked primarily with oil paints during her early years as an artist. She said she simply painted what she saw, not knowing any specific artistic techniques.

"I would go to the library a lot and take out books on art," Doughty explained. "Most of the books didn't give any instructions, but I enjoyed reading them."

Doughty joined a group called the Palette of Peel in the early 1980s. The ensemble consisted of local artists who wanted to share their love of art.

"We would go on trips together and paint together," she said. "It was very nice."

Occasionally, the Palette of Peel would invite an instructor to come and give tips to the group. Besides this, Doughty picked up tips from fellow members.

The Palette of Peel joined Visual Arts Brampton when it was founded in 1986. Doughty has been coming to VAB for the still life drawing sessions every Tuesday night for years.

Keith Moreau, president of VAB, didn't have to think twice when Doughty asked if she could have a show at the Golden Pheasant Gallery.

"We've always loved her works and it is amazing what she does as a self-trained artist," he explained. "They are snippets of everyday life, so it will appeal to a lot of people. The works are also high quality as she has captured the volumes, dimensions, lights and shadows of everything."

More than 30 of Doughty's works are on display at the gallery. They date from past two decades, encompassing a variety of media, such as acrylics, watercolours, coloured pencil and pastel.

There is no specific theme linking the works, but there are a few subjects that frequently appear. Several of the paintings feature flowers, which is a favourite subject for Doughty. Orange tulips, red and white roses, purple irises and bouquets of yellow and purple wildflowers are just a few types of flowers featured in her works.

"I chose pieces I liked the best from my collection for this show," she said. "I haven't done a lot of shows, so this is nice. I hope people like them."

As Doughty was raised on a farm in New Brunswick, rustic farm scenes and Maritime-themes are also dominant subjects of works in the show.

A substantial amount of detail is demonstrated in these paintings, from the reflective sunshine on a field of snow-covered bales to the peeling paint on a retired fishing boat.

The inspiration for many of Doughty's works comes from vacations and driving through rural Ontario with her husband Graham.

"When my husband and I are driving and I see something appealing, we'll stop and have a look and take a photograph," she said. "Other times I will sketch something and then go home and paint it."

Doughty has a small studio in her house where she paints three times a week. Although her husband isn't an artist, she said he loves her paintings.

"I put one of his favourite pieces in a show and I sold it," she laughed. "Now he buys the ones he likes so I can't sell them."

The Golden Pheasant Gallery at VAB is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. Doughty will be at the gallery on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. VAB is located in Bartley Square Mall at Hurontario Street and Steeles Avenue.