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What People are Saying
There is nothing more energizing for an artist to hear from those who admire and collect his work. Your feedback provides inner energy to our great Canadian landscape artist. Phil Emond, Gallery Director To send Gordon Harrison your comments,
please go to Mailing List. "I was asked to write info about our trip, thought you might like a copy of what I wrote! The Gordon Harrison Art Inspiration Project was a terrific experience both for myself and for the students. For myself it was very clear to me, watching Gordon work with the students that he had a passion, that he wanted to explain and share that passion and that he enjoyed the experience of sharing that passion with the students. All was done in a low key, encouraging and warm manner. As for the group who had the chance to work with him, they were thrilled to be selected to begin with , a lot of buzz, a lot of excitement. They were asked to rise to the occasion and to really embrace the opportunity they were being presented with. And they did! They saw how an artist approached his subject, had a chance to discuss their likes and observations and then watch the artists’ technique as he prepared his image. This was the first meeting in school, in the art room. Two other in class sessions took place, the students selected landscapes to paint and following the direction of Mr Harrison planned out their images and prepared their canvasses. The next time we met was in the morning at the Gordon Harrison Gallery. We were welcomed with fresh fruit and fresh croissants. Already off to a good start. Thanks Phil. Ten students went on a walkabout and small down town, market area, gallery exploration. There was a very eclectic range of art work to look at, we were taken around by a lovely lady Ingrid from the Gordon Harrison Gallery. The other ten went to work on their canvasses inspired by the original art work, vivid colours surrounding us. With Gordon tapping in to and drawing out the inner artist form each grade six student. They were professional artists painting in a successful gallery set up in the heart of down town. At the end of the session one student acted as curator for the work. In the afternoon we switched groups, oh did I mention the lunch time sandwich scones? Follow up will be the vernissage at the gallery in the new year where the work will be framed and displayed and put up for auction. Money raised goes to a cause of choice, for us we will be directing it to the fund for the new Ashbury arts block." Elisabeth Arbuckle, Junior and Senior Art Teacher Ashbury College "Tell Gordon how much I love the Pine Point! I don't know if I can wait until Christmas to give it to my husband. It was a pleasure to visit the Gallery yesterday, especially to see the enthusiastic students and their paintings. I just noticed the Meech Lake series on your web site. Where is this being shown? I will be back." Heather Brown Ottawa "Your paintings go well beyond the subject and paint used. There is a vibrant life to it that is captured in your work. We intend to collect more from your collections." Bill McCrie Burlington, Ontario "We were so pleased to see our collection of paintings featured in the 2012 calendar. “Village Québécois” completes the dining area of our new home, thank you Gordon and Phil – it has been a pleasure!" Charles and Dorothy Tremblay, Junic Inc. Rockcliffe, Ontario "I am new to your paintings. I am fascinated by the freedom and colour. I plan to visit your gallery in the spring. Do you give workshops if so let me know when and where. What talent you possess, you are an inspriration as an artist. I love splashing colour on large cavasses....I wish I could do it as well as you...Love your work." Patrica Sahlberg Nepean, Ontario "I recently completed an art lecture course at FAU in Boca Raton,Fl. I have been taking workshops with Don Sahli in Evergreen CO. He is a Russian Impressionist and studied with Sergei Bongart. The teacher at FAU spoke about you when she lectured on the Canadian 7. I would love to come to Canada and work with you. My wife and I have done Cross Country skiing at Esterel for the past several years. Hope to work with you one summer." Jay Green Florida "LOVE your paintings! Would be interested in having some coaching with you. Attracted by your beautiful paintings. A friend and I had the pleasure of dropping by Murray Street one evening last year as you were preparing for a show. Although the gallery was not open, you were kind enough to let us in and I have been a fan ever since!" Hamina Gasewicz Ottawa "I am so happy to hear that you are going to go to Counterpoint Academy - they are a small, but wonderful school. I know the kids will get a lot out of Gordon's visit - I am sorry Payton and Graham will miss it. Payton still raves about Gordon - referring to him as "my friend Gordon Harrison" - she may talk him up so much you both will have to come to Hawaii for a show. But we'd love to see you both even if you just come for vacation .... We are creeping the gallery page every week or so - we saw the article on the new gallery! Wahoo! I know that was a lot of work for you. Congrats on the huge success. Thank you for answering Payton's questions... she wants to be an artist - "a painter like Gordon Harrison. I want to paint nature." Gordon really touched Payton's life - she is quite taken with him. You both hold a dear place in my heart. Wishing you both continued success and best wishes - Mahalo - thank you again." Sloan Tyler Hawaii "Merci pour le cours de peinture. Gordon a partagé son talent et son temps avec moi d'une façon serène et amusante en même temps. Je peux apprécier mieux son art et son humanité. En plus il est un homme de contraste, son art déborde la passion et la joie de vivre! Il m'a donné le goût de continuer de m'explimer à travers la peinture. Merci Gordon." Marisela Mosco Carpio Ottawa, Ontario "I would like to thank you for helping us maker this year's Gala one of the most successful in history of the event. We raised over $135,000 to support students at Elmwood." Arlie Mierins, Chair of the Elmwood Gala Rockcliffe Park, Ontario "Gordon's painting Laurentian Summerlands is magnificent. Micheline and I have admired his work, and I was immediately struck by his use of colour on first sight. This one spoke to us both in a special way. This one is staying in Ottawa in a home where it will be loved and appreciated." Stepehn Doyle and Micheline Whale Ottawa "The Gordon Harrison Art Inspiration Project...What an amazing, uplifting project! You gave so much of yourselves and no doubt felt fulfilled in the process. What you have done is nothing short of ingenious, it is heartfelt and so nurturing for the souls of these young budding artists as well artists young and old anywhere this story finds them. I just read the Ottawa Citizen article and looked at the paintings by these talented young people. (I love the painting by Luka Stojanovic & Alex Petrocco - but all of them are truly wonderful). It's wonderful to see that all the students clearly understand how unique and special this experience is and how much they will take from it into their future. I'm sharing the links you sent me with a few people I know in Ottawa and I wish you continued success with this and all your projects. are truly wonderful). I'm sure you'll remember, I walked into your gallery inadvertently interrupting a meeting which I now gather revolved around this project. To now read this article and see the results of what was only an idea I was privileged to accidentally witness unfolding makes seeing the end result that much more special to me. So much good is coming from one inspirational journey which additionally brought the entire community together. BRAVO!!! " Vedrana Ascroft Ottawa "I love the Art inspiration project you created. I am coordinator of a group at our church in downtown Peterborough. For three years we have provided a nourishing hot lunch for hungry folks - no questions asked. After running the program for a while we realised that many who attend have many challenges and lots of misery in their lives. After talking about what else we could try and provide for the wellbeing of our new friends we decided that we would start an art program for any who wanted to eat and paint or draw. Many who hate crowds and noise or who have never had the opportunity to try any art form come and have a wonderful time. Huge success!! And wonderful art work, has come out. Not to mention,friendship and comfort from the harsh realities of poverty, homelessness, mental health challenges and all the the other miseries those who live on the margins face in our community. We've tried a couple of drama sessions with success as well. Who knew?? It has enriched my life as well and I'm sure you both find the same. Well done! " Goodith Heeney Peterborough "Thanks for the two cards - and BEST OF LUCK in Toronto. Wish I could be there but can't see how this time. The paintings pictured on the invite are lovely - if the red train has not already gone, it is sure to in a flash!! Love the boat on the shore, too (Resting, Lake of Bays). Also, it was interesting about the students' art show and Veronica and I will definitely try to get up for that. You are both well on the way to being the big names in the Canadian art world, to be read about by future generations. Gordon, your paintings are already there, of course, but soon to burst out of the confines of Canada and take the world by storm, guided by Phil - Le Super Organisateur . Imagine! " Edwina Wood Perth, Ontario "Thank you for the 2010 calendar --- it shows off your paintings superbly! A few days ago I was at the Hydes for dinner, and admired a lovely painting on their wall. It was such pleasure to see your signature on it! I congratulate you on your great success; your paintings are lovely. I see that you have done that magnificently! My very best wishes for continuing success; your paintings are superb. " Dr. Ed Day Ottawa "Dear Gordon and Phil, the calendars arrived today--thank you so much. Thanks for your note, Gordon, it was good of you to take the time--I'm sure you are always busy! The calendar is absolutely gorgeous, and I really enjoyed reading all the information you included in it. What a difficult task it must have been to choose which paintings to include, but I was delighted to see the Lac des Iles one--I think the dogs and I have probably walked by those trees many times. It is a thrill to have your work hanging in my house. All the best in 2010 and see you at the Lake. " Heather Calhoun Entrelacs, Quebec "Back in September of this year I walked into your gallery in Ottawa and felt welcome in spite of the meeting that was happening inside at the time, which I had unknowingly interrupted. I was so drawn in, my feet were racing ahead of me. I just wanted to let you know that I am tremendously thankful and humbled to have met you in person surrounded by your beautiful paintings. The autographed book of yours I walked out with continues to be one of my most treasured items and I reach for it every time I feel my spirit needs a bit of a "lift". I am deeply inspired by the glorious landscapes you unveil and I can't help but see your beautiful soul reflecting in them all. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish both you and Phil (whom I was also delighted to meet) all the joy of the season and a very happy, healthy, successful and prosperous New Year. " Vedrana Ascroft Shawinigan Lake, BC "We are still very enthousiastic about your painting and we really enjoy it every day. We have got very positive response from friends and relatives, so you will become wellknown in the Netherlands! We hope that your year-end celebration has been successfull as well, because we were quite impressed by your winter paintings. Please inform us about your new collections, so we are informed. We wish you a blessed Christmas and a wonderfull 2010. " Kees en Henny Lugten Netherlands "Thank you Phil. As you know, Anne has admired Gordon's work for some time. This landscape resonates with us partly because it is so close to our place at Lac Brûlé. I'm sure that it will give years of enjoyment. " Jim Peck Ottawa, Ontario "Great work! Especially enjoyed looking at the painting from across the Ottawa River with the church and small community along the river. Well done." Aline Roberts Gatineau, Québec "Landscapes that take me back to the voices and colours I experienced in the north as a child. It's not possible to visit the website only once. " Art Professor Don Graves Burlington, Ontario "It meant so much for you to be there, and of course I love "A February Mid Day on Avon Lane". It will fit in very dramatically and perfectly in our living room, with the colours being absolutely perfect in this room. You have to believe that I had spent some time looking over your website about 2-3 months previous to Sunday, and of course mentioned to Larry that it would be wonderful to some day have that one, or another one of your paintings from New Edinburgh. Of course it brings back memories of Ottawa, and of the time when I lived in New Edinburgh for a short period of time in the early 90's. I am continually amazed and impressed with your work, and wish you much success and happiness in your future, which I know holds much for you. I hope that you will be able to make another trip back to the county in the near future, and when you do, look again for the sand banks that your remember, I'm sure they're there, and go to Waupoos to the County Cidery and have lunch (summertime only) on their patio amidst the grape vines, looking out over Lake Ontario. And that's just the beginning of the many beautiful settings in the county..... " Barb McMullen Prince Edward County "I have been traveling in Holland and France for the past two weeks and am just back in the office and in email contact. Your painting arrived just before I left and it is gorgeous. I just love it and have it hanging in my living room. Everyone who has seen it also has fallen in love with it. It is especially meaningful to me because I got to know you a bit and I will always associate the beauty of the painting with your kindness and graciousness. I hope you are well and I very much appreciate your taking a personal interest in making sure the painting arrived. " L. Molnar Michigan, United States "Painting my first Canadian landscape with Gordon Harrison was a great experience. He taught me a lot and it inspired me to paint new pictures in the future. Thank you for teaching me." " Anna-Karina Ottawa "We would like to convey that words cannot describe the pleasure we have every time we look at your painting on our living room wall in our home in Regina. It is a wonderful way to start the day as we come down the stairs and to end our day as we go up. We have had great compliments. Thank you very much. I hope your summer is going well and we hope to stop in some time this summer to see what new works you have. I would also like to thank you on behalf of Karen for allowing her students the opportunity to experience your work. It had a profound effect on them. Take care " Wade and Karen Luzny Regina "I really enjoyed meeting you and talking to you at the 2009 Toronto Art Expo. Thank you for the "great painting"--Victorian Houses, Sackville Street, Toronto. I am thrilled to have it. Any new showings in the near future? Hope to see you again at Toronto Art Expo 2010. Thanks again." Ted McGrath, Oshawa "First Snowfall has arrived in Florida and it is already hung. Fantastic!!! The painting is even more beautiful than I remember. Thank you a million times. Gordon, your work is masterful - I love looking at it - full of exquisite and bravora technique. " Terryl Lawrence, Artist Florida "During the course of our first year of stay here in Canada, we were very keen on getting to know Canadian Art. It was very surprising to discover Canadian music, paintings, crafts and theatres. We visited plenty of events, museums, art exhibitions, galeries and theatrical performances. It is our idea to share this art with you, because we are convinced that Canada has to present a lot of its culture. One of our recent tours led us to the Gallery of Gordon Harrison. In particular, to meet personally with the Canadian painter Gordon Harrison, who is already considered as a very well-known Canadian artists, and his Gallery Director Phil Emond was very impressive. We would like to share our experience with you. " Anke and Matthias Reibold, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Ottawa "Scarlet Evening was absolutely well received; he loved it! We sit in our family room and stare at it and are so pleased that we have it; it has completely changed the atmosphere in our family room. Even the kids were amazed by it and were so pleased that it was a scene of Gatineau Park. It is perfect! " N. Gilbert Ottawa "Our daughter Audrey will complete her art portfolio for Thursday. With the end of the semester, the exams next week and her waterpolo training, she is working extremely hard. She will be in position to show you her paintings in a few days. She received excellent comments from her teachers. Up to now, Mr. Langlois sent pictures of two of her paintings to the Ministry of Education (for possible prizes). She would like to invite you to her school exposition. You are a great inspiration!" " Lyne Caron, Ottawa "The Colours of Canada are indeed a national heritage. Bravo! and please continue exposing the world to them!" Judee Pauling, Ottawa "Gordon Harrison is an Ottawa landscape artist who quit his comfy government job a few years ago to paint full-time. He now has his own studio in Ottawa's Byward Market, and he has a vernissage this weekend, Friday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 23. The times are 5 to 9 on Friday, and 11 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday, 100 Murray St. "I'm from PEI and our cottage happens to be located at Thunder Cove. My sister who works at Adobe on Preston Street showed me one of your paintings which portrays our excellent scenery. I also see that there was an article in the Ottawa Citizen about you and your gallery and I wanted to wish you congratulations on your success. It takes a lot of courage to leave a secure job to become an entrepreneur and it is nice to read a good news story for a change. I would be interested in purchasing some paintings depicting Prince Edward Island landscape in the near future. Perhaps I will stop by your gallery in the market the next time I'm around those parts. All the best." Kristopher O'Connell, Ottawa "I was fortunate to be asked to attend and speak at the opening of the new Gordon Harrison Gallery in Ottawa, Canada. "One could argue that the Chauvet cave art in southern France dating back at least 32,000 years ago was one of the first examples of art being used in interior spaces. "As a realtor, I concern myself with the passing of an artistic envelope from family to family through the sale of a home. "Congratulations! It’s a real pleasure to play a part at The Importance of Art in our Design event. "I was very pleased to be a key speaker at The Importance of Art in our Design event at the Gordon Harrison Gallery and to speak about Gordon Harrison’s finest work and how art is very much part of our community and our work as architects. "La Maison Jaune et Butte Round arrived today...We love it! All those fabulous shades of green and a blue sky too...it makes us want to take a walk through the meadow grasses in the sunshine. It grows on us more, the more we look at it. We especially like the piece at the far end of our living room under a pot light as that bit of a distance seems to give the perspective to the scene that it needs, and captures so well. Gordon, thank you so much for agreeing to part with one of your babies from your private collection. The gesture is greatly appreciated and I hope you know we'll take good care of it and give it lots of love. Our collection of your incredible encapsulations of mother nature has grown to grand proportions and we are thrilled." C. Rattenbury and W. Dodgson London "Gordon, some wonderful work! I particularly like the more colourful landscapes. A great colour sense, you can almost smell the forest in the fall. I'm sure they look even better in real life. My father went to Ontario Collage of Art in the late 20's. and he was a student of Arthur Lismer. As a result I grew up with Group of Seven style of paintings covering our walls. And today I have a number on my own walls. Next time we're in Ottawa I'll make sure to drop in. I believe I picked up your card at the City Hall show here in Toronto." Larry McLean Toronto "I just wanted to let you know that this weekend was finally our tenth anniversary and I gave the painting to Gillian. She was so happy! She told me that she has been thinking of the painting on numerous occasions since we first saw it in February and wishing we had bought it. For the last two weeks the painting has been hiding under our bed. Today, we hung it on our dining room wall. It looks spectacular." Stephen and Gillian Stachell Toronto "After viewing your gallery I simply cannot leave Canada without any comment. Few words. Beautiful, Stunning, Unpretentious and Unforgetable. I paint myself and I don't normally admire someone else's work the way it happened with Gordon Harrison's paintings. It is so refreshing to see such art. Thank you for this amazing experience. I could go on like this for ages ( over-excited a bit but it doesn't happen to me every day ). Thank you again for what you're doing." B. Costro United Kingdom "Congratulations on the opening of the gallery and allowing us to see the spectacular new art of Gordon Harrison. We enjoy the work and are proud to have this art in our home and in Canada." D. E. Mann Ottawa "I am writing you again to say that I am happy to report that when we moved to Nairobi last year, we were able to transport a number of our paintings, and so your painting has once again been prominently displayed in my Kenyan living room! Now my cadre of international and expat friends all admire it when they come to visit...perhaps you would be interested in travelling to Kenya sometime to paint? I look forward to purchasing your book when I return to Canada this summer for a visit!" P. Steves Kenya "Congratulations on the launching of the Gordon Harrison Gallery. It is with great pride that we note the continued success of an Entrelacois in his chosen profession, knowing that a portion of his inspiration comes from his experiences at Lac des Iles." Ric Garland Mayor, Town of Entrelacs, Laurentians "It was exciting to attend the opening ceremony for New Edinburgh artist Gordon Harrison's art gallery. The event was attended by a large number of people to join in the celebrations. Gordon Harrison and Phil Emond, Gallery Director, talked about the idea of opening a gallery, which had been in planning for about a year. Finding a good location and making sure enough paintings were ready both played a part. Dr. Bruce Firestone also spoke in support of the new gallery. Gordon's choice of subject matter, and effective use of vibrant colours and light and shade, make it no surprise that his art is reminiscent of the Group of Seven. However, Gordon has his own distinctive style. Judging by the sales in the first hour that the gallery was open, this new venture is a great success." Gemma Karr New Edinburgh News "Gordon Harrison paints the winds and waters and the rocks and fields that are Canada's natural, rugged beauty. His colours seem to glow, and the energy moves through them like a tide. They are vibrant and beautiful, and they're on display at the new Gordon Harrison at 100 Murray Street in the ByWard Market. See for yourself." Peter Simpson Citizen's Arts and Entertainment Editor, The Ottawa-Citizen "I am delighted to have this opportunity to extend my sincere congratulations to you as you celebrate the opening of the Gordon Harrison Gallery. This is a very special evening for you. I am sure you are pleased that you are being joined by friends and guests who are celebrating the opening of your gallery and the privilege of viewing your current showing of paintings. Your artistry is a wonderful talent. We are fortunate that you are sharing this gift with us through your original paintings of Canadian landscapes. "The gallery opening was certainly a wonderful event last night. You have every right to be proud of your collective accomplishments. Seeing all of Gordon's work on display makes me all the more proud of the piece that I have spoken for; I feel like I have joined an exclusive fraternity. My wife, Louise, singled out this painting as well as one other as her "favourites". I had to certainly play down my enthusiasm so I would not give away the surprise. However, I know I made the right choice." G. Lindsay "Your use of colour and light are truly divinely inspired! We are extremely happy with our collection of your work—never tired of looking at any of them—and receive many compliments on all 11 of your paintings. Best wishes on the opening of your gallery." C. Rattenbury and D. Dodgson London "Of all the pieces of art that I now own, collected from all over the world, your painting still remains one of my two favorites. I purchased a work of Notre Dame de-la-Salette at the Marba Gallery in Fredericton when I was expecting my first child (born Feb. 2002); it is the first oil painting I ever had. The style and vibrant colors always lift my spirits and no matter where I move to, it is always one of the first paintings hung and occupies a prominent spot in my living room. I am sad to say that we are moving to Nairobi, Kenya, this August for two years, and will be unable to take our belongings. I will miss my paintings terribly when I am gone and will look forward to re-hanging them when I return to Fredericton and another new home, where I am sure your piece will once again be a vibrant focal point. Thank you for creating such beauty time and time again." P. Steves Kingston "Discovering your work was, for me, the highlight of the 2007 Ottawa Winterlude Festival. Your paintings are riveting... intoxicating - like a steady gaze from a beautiful stranger that beckons one down a sensuously happy trail. I have added "owning one of Gordon Harrison's paintings" to my "Life List" of soul-nourishing ambitions. You are one of the great ones, Gordon... A fine addition to the pantheon of Great Canadian Artists." B. White Founder, The Nature of Ottawa "Your colors are exciting! You have indeed captured the magic of the Maritimes. I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited this part of the world. May it remain forever unspoiled from commercialism." M. Moreland "I feel happy when I look at your paintings. Can there be a higher compliment?" J. Steinberg "I have just became acquainted with your work through House and Home magazine and spent time on your web site. Your work is beautiful!" T. MacGillivray "We receive Canadian House and Home magazine by subscription and had the chance to view your landscape work on page 185 and have now had the chance to see your work here, at your website. What vision. Thank you." D. McTaggart "I recently had the opportunity to view your work at the Koyman Gallery in Ottawa, and would like to congratulate you on your beautiful pieces. They are bold and vibrant, and the heavy oil paint application is very appealing. I was given your Sleeping Giants painting as a gift, and absolutely love it. It is timeless, and will be a family heirloom that is past down through the generations. Your art is beautiful and I love looking at my painting every morning." L. O'Dwyer "Dear Gordon, I saw a winter painting of yours last spring at Juniper and I was blown away. It caught utterly and completely how I felt about the light and form and colour and being in the spring snows of Gatineau Park." M. Deck "I just discovered your wonderful work and was thrilled to view your website. You are an artist after my own heart. I love your bold use of colour, flowing strokes, and compositions. You are an inspiration to fellow artists." J. Barr "I had to write to tell you that I think your work is quite beautiful. I love the movement and use of colours. The paintings of Newfoundland make me look forward to the family reunion that my husband's family is planning for next year in Newfoundland. L'Anse aux Meadows and Gros Morne have always been high on the list of areas I have wanted to travel to. I have passed the website address on to friends here in Toronto." J. Valiquette "I really like the subject matter of your paintings, the bold and powerful colours, and the realism. One can sense a feeling of one-ness between you the painter and your subject. My favourites are many, but I particularly like Moods of Blue, Sleeping Rock and Little Pic River. I have seen scenes like these, and seeing your paintings of them brings back joyful memories of the quiet times in my life." R. Hunter "Gordon, Great web site, we received our third Painting of yours on Saturday (1 winter, 1 fall, 1 spring - all We need now is a summer painting) I hope life is treating you well and you continue with your great artistic talent for many years, reflecting this great country of ours." D. Knock "Gordon, You bring so much beauty into the lives of people with your wonderful works of art! There is such depth and strength in your usage of colour and paint. In my mind, your art is priceless!" D. van Waard "Your website is a manifestation of your refinement and class. Music is enthralling, serene, soothing. As you know, it is a cliché to say that the real test for an artist is his survival after death. I have a distinct feeling you are going to be an exception." H. Brooks "Bold use of colour and brush. Very Impressive!" D. and E. Mann "I love your wonderful work!" V. Gajdicar "Well done Gordon! I am very proud of you." Mom "Hard work, a commitment to nature and beauty and a passion for which I adore you." Philippe "Congratulations on a wonderful looking website. As always, you know what a fan I am of your work, which continues to impress and delight!" Beth Desmarais | ||||||