Gruchy, Ann

Ann Gruchy paints landscapes derived from her own memories. While she takes photos of impressions that inspire her, she doesn’t necessarily work from these photos, but rather the memory of how a particular place made her feel. Her aim is to reach the viewer on an emotional level, bringing to mind their own memories from similar scenes. 

Ann’s work has a deep sense of serenity, calmness and light. “I only paint to bring forth a positive feeling for the viewer. To achieve this, I use analogous, harmonious colours, as well as simplicity and balance in composition and design. The simplicity allows the observer to remember their own inspired memories.” 

Ann’s minimalist style aims to portray the feeling rather than the detail, stripping each scene down to the basic features and honing in on the simple beauty of each shape, pattern and hue. “I try to break my paintings down into the very basic features; I compare this minimalist art to poetic Haiku. Only the fundamental features are present.” 

Her landscapes are often of Scotland, Vancouver Island, and Newfoundland, and attempt to show the vastness, light, depth and natural beauty that she has found. Not limited only to landscapes, Ann has worked with many subjects. Known in the past for her many studies of pears, using them to experiment and play with colour, design and light. 

Ann lives, paints, and teaches in North Gower, Ontario.