Maureen Newton’s recent oil paintings are characterized by rich colouration, bold compositions, and gently humorous depictions of life’s serious – and not so serious – situations. Portraying a sweep of experiences from harrowing exploits in the countryside to the foibles of modern relationships and courting behaviour, Newton’s recent works show her affinity for the telling moment in a story and her ability to sympathetically reveal personality in her portraits of man, woman, beast and bird. Maureen Newton’s vision is a realistic and humane one, in which all beings have access to comedy and to grace.

Responding with characteristic wit to comments concerning the appropriateness of nudes in public spaces, in 2005 Newton exhibited the first of an ongoing series of works which sport removable coverings. As the series developed, what was covered and revealed became more than simple nudity; Newton now uses the technique to delve into the thought processes and emotions of her subjects and her viewers, as well as the social norms and taboos of our society.

Maureen Newton was born and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Great Distinction in Painting and Printmaking from the University of Lethbridge in 1986. She has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions over the past twenty years in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. Her work is held in the collections of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre as well as in numerous private collections.

This exhibition opens in the mezzanine gallery of the Thames Art Gallery on January 13, 2012 and will run until February 12, 2012. The Thames Art Gallery is open 7-days a week from 1-5pm.