Lake Country artist wins Paint on the Mountain contest

With only their natural surroundings to provide inspiration, a dozen artists took to one of the Lower Mainland’s most scenic destinations to fashion images through brush strokes.

On July 30 and 31, a jury-selected group of 12 artists took to Lower Hollyburn Mountain, near the Cypress Village Pop-Up, drawing inspiration from the landscape to bring the essence of the outdoors to life.

British Pacific Properties announced the winners of the contest Aug. 7 at West Vancouver’s Harmony Arts festival.

Taking the grand prize of $1,500 was Ann Willsie, who otherwise spends most of her time working and teaching at her studio in Lake Country, B.C. Her winning piece Roots, depicts the lower section of a mature tree in rich amber and mustard hues.

Active in the community, Willsie has participated in and helped organize many en plein air events across Canada. She’s a signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, associate member of the Oil Painters of America, and has won numerous other awards for her work.

Being outdoors and painting en plein air has made her passion for art grow exponentially, Willsie said in a release.

“It is the ultimate experience – feeling the wind on your face, the warmth of the sun, hearing the birds singing. All of those sensations become a part of the painting,” she said.

In second place was Vancouver-based Sunoor Singh for his painting The Winding Road – the Solitary Bird. Singh has a solo show with an opening Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. at Charles van Sandwyk’s gallery in Gastown.

Taking third was Tom Taylor with his work Good Foggy Morn.

British Pacific Properties also honoured previous Paint on the Mountain winner and renowned North Vancouver artist Danyne Johnston with the fourth-annual Distinguished Artist Award.

All of the artworks from this year’s competition are on display at the BPP tent on Argyle Avenue near the Ferry Building Gallery until Aug. 11. Art enthusiasts can cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award until the closing date. The winner will be announced Aug. 12.