Ursula E Rettich

I arrived to painting with a background as a fabric artist. My art and painting style did not come through art school but studying other artists and through development and searching for my own style.
There is one element that I feel became more and more evident as I get older, it is as if colours take over my whole seeing.
I think my creativity developed in early years was learning through my father (a gardener) the combination of colours by planting and designing flowerbeds.
I believe the strength of my paintings lies in their careful balance of realism and abstraction and the unique synthesis of form and color. My deep connection to nature is evident; many objects appear organic and even the abstracts have a sense of movement. My intricate layering of objective and subjective meaning reflects the intense wonder that I associates with the landscape. Inspired by my early years living on the remote Island of Sylt in the North Sea, the region set the mood of tranquility, isolation and mystery that permeates my works. The often vibrant palette of vivid greens, purples and brilliant reds contributes to the overall sense of passion I try to capture it an emotional representation.

Born, raised and educated in Germany.
Worked in Switzerland from 1957 to 1958
Immigrated to Canada in 1958
Art education: through Workshops, night school,
Summer art classes and private tutor.
I was an active member of the Vancouver Guild of Fabric Art and later member of several other art organisations.
1994 – 2003 active board member of the independent Art Gallery in Kalso B.C.
My last volunteer post before retiring was Vice president and Gallery coordinator in Kaslo B.C.

Exhibitions:
I participated in group shows and solo shows regularly 2 or 3 times a year since 1978.
Information on request

I exhibited regularly every year at least once, participated in many group shows, and outdoor events