“Skinny Dipping in Canada”: A Cheeky New Series By Local Painter and Sculptor, Janet K. MacKay

It’s that time of year again. The time when Canadians may be feeling that we’ve had enough of winter and all its snow and ice. Our thoughts turn to more balmy days, to glistening lakes and warm summer sunshine and to getting our kayaks and canoes out onto the water and our winter-weary bodies into it—with or without our bathing suits!

Over the past year Hill artist, Janet K. MacKay, has been working on a new series of paintings called “Skinny Dipping in Canada”. This “cheeky” series will warm your heart and enliven your soul while maintaining a PG rating.

Janet’s distinctive vibrant style is reminiscent of the Group of Seven, but with her own unique twist. Each painting is bursting with a flood of brilliant colours and enticing reflections, taking the viewer to the peaceful, warm and sparkling days of summer at the lake where clothing is optional.

"For me, it's got everything to do with being a Canadian and living in this wonderful country," says Janet. "It is mesmerizing how the water shimmers and reflects the light back on the land."

MacKay has been fascinated for years with painting water and with how the water reflects the world around it. She initially painted just the water, and then slowly started adding in shorelines, kayaks and canoes. Incorporating skinny dipping in the subject matter takes the fascination to a new level.

You can see Janet’s work by chance or appointment at Worldview Studio and Gallery of Fine Art. 

About the Artist:

Janet K. MacKay is a painter and sculptor working out of Worldview Studio and Gallery of Fine Art, located in Ottawa, Ontario. She received her degree in Fine Arts from McMaster University and, after a government career in design and project management, she returned to her artistic roots in 1998. Janet’s oil-on-canvas paintings primarily capture the landscapes of Ontario and Quebec. Although her painting style is distinctively her own, it has been likened to that of the Group of Seven. Her paintings are vibrant and distinctly Canadian and more often than not, predominantly feature water and reflections. Janet’s bronze sculptures have an Art Nouveau flare and are primarily figurative, often focusing on dance. She is currently working on a series of sculptures capturing the graceful beauty of whales. Janet has participated in numerous solo and group shows and enjoys these opportunities to see, first hand, that spark of connection her art can make with its audience.

An invite-only vernissage for MacKay's new series will take place at Worldview Studio and Gallery of Fine Art on Thursday April 25 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with special guest appearance by world-renowned violinist Son Mach. The show will continue Friday April 26, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Saturday, April 27 to Sunday May 5, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm