From early retirement to successful artist
Megan Ekblad works in oils, and is inspired by the landscapes of the Kawartha area
This is another in a series of articles profiling artists and artisans in the Otonabee Ward.
A member of the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio, Megan Ekblad has always loved drawing, but between working full-time, maintaining 50 acres and caring for five horses, she just didn't have time for painting. Then, after taking early retirement five years ago, she signed up for painting classes.
“I love the freedom and flexibility of working in oils,” says Ekblad. “I like how the thickness of its application can add to the depth and texture of a painting.”
After growing up and living in Toronto, she and her husband bought the acreage near Sandy Lake where she now lives, along with their horses.
“Living on the border of the Canadian Shield, I am constantly inspired by beautiful landscapes,” she says. “Although I have mostly painted with brushes, I also use a pallet knife which offers a unique way of blending colours. My preferred style is more impressionistic rather than realistic, but continues to evolve.”
At KAGS, she is part of the Tuesday morning drawing group and says that she loves drawing from a live model. She is also part of the Outdoor Painters Group on Thursday afternoons and participates in occasional workshops. She volunteers to hang pictures for shows and says, “KAGS is a wonderful resource of inspiration and support from fellow artists.”
Ekblad says that for her creating art is like meditation. “I am totally absorbed in the moment and the passage of time is lost. I see the world differently now.
The sky is not just blue and grass is not just green, but are combinations of many colours - colours that seem brighter and more vivid. Everywhere I look, I see a potential painting.”
Her advice to budding artists is “to free yourself of expectations of perfection. Simply enjoy a wonderful journey of learning to express yourself in a nonjudgmental way. Don't be afraid to have fun and experiment.”
Certified as an Equine Specialist, Ekblad uses her horses to help children with autism. She spends her time caring for the horses, goats and in the summer, chickens, as well as gardening, yoga, kayaking, riding, teaching and of course, painting.
The gallery, which is located at 420 O’Connell Rd., is closed from now to August 5 for a summer break. For more information, please call 705-741-2817, visit www.kawarthaartists.org or like them on Facebook.
Mapleridge Recreation Centre
Mapleridge Recreation Centre, 1085 Brealey Dr., is an activity club operated by staff and volunteers whose mission is to provide friendship, programs and opportunities for adults aged 50 and over to enjoy social, recreational, and educational activities. The many activities offered at Mapleridge include line dancing, Tai Chi, yoga, cribbage, euchre, bid euchre, bridge, shuffleboard, darts, billiards and more. Some drop-in programs are taking a break for the summer but most regular and instructional programs continue.
There will be a yoga workshop on Saturday 28 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at a cost of $35. Participants are invited to sign up and pay in advance. Instructor Josee Caron will help participants explore fire and earth energies in relation to parts of the body.
Membership in the centre is $20 per year, which runs from March 31 to April 1. A current membership card is required to register for programs. For more information, please call 705-7421481 or visit www.mapleridgerecreationcentre.com.