Artist in Residence: Iris Ranieri

A passion for the outdoors finds a way into each of Iris Ranieri’s acrylic paintings and photographs. “Even when I try to create a purely abstract painting, a landscape always seems to emerge,” says the Caledon artist. “I am drawn to the beauty of wild places, as well as nature’s perfect colours and details. Trees and water inevitably make their way into my work.”

The outcome, however, has evolved from realistic depictions using photographs as a guide, to a looser, more impressionistic style she considers more personal and confident. Ranieri’s most recent pieces were inspired by the sound of moving water, and the smell of cedar and pine in British Columbia. Other works capture the towering trees, high peaks and changeable weather of Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park.