Avis Riva

As I live in Western Canada, I am drawn to the wide range of subject matter that nature has to offer, from lakes, mountains and foothills to prairie farmland. Field trips, near and far, are a source of ongoing inspiration to paint my impressions of the world around me. On location, I take photos and notes; in the studio, although I paint from my references, I am strongly influenced by sensory memories of that day, that place. To capture the spirit of a subject is my driving force; color is my vehicle. I paint in watercolor, acrylic and mixed media. I love the color blending of watercolor on paper, as well as the use of acrylic paint in a watercolor technique. In the application of the vibrant color choices of acrylic paints, I enjoy the versatility of brush or palette knife, paper or canvas. My mixed media works can be a composite of transparent watercolor under translucent or opaque acrylic paint, inks, gels and collage.

Avis lives in Calgary, Alberta where she taught school for many enjoyable years. During these years she took a broad range of evening and summer art classes, including courses at Emma Lake (University of Saskatchewan), Calgary Board of Education Continuing Education, Alberta College of Art and Design, as well as workshops with Leading Edge.

Finally, the desire to paint won. Avis then took an active part in group shows, some supporting charities: Andiamo, Artists for AARC and Volare’.

She has participated in several Juried Shows:

• Western Showcase Art Gallery (Calgary Stampede, 2004-2007)
• Colours From The Light (2004-2006)
• Alberta Community Art Clubs Association (ACACA, 2005-2009).

Her paintings are in numerous private collections.
She is a member of Calgary Community Painters’ Society (CCPS).