A professional artist for more than twenty-five years, Christine Reimer is an established British Columbia painter recognized for her bold, colourful interpretation of Canadian landscape. Christine received her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts, 1977) and her Diploma in Education (Visual Arts, 1979) from the University of Victoria. Christine’s unique and highly collectable paintings are found in corporate and private collections across North America and abroad. She is currently represented by prestigious galleries in Canada, Washington State and California.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Colour, movement and light are vital elements in my paintings. I begin with a fairly defined composition; the image evolves as I paint. Colour takes on a life of its own and the character of the landscape is revealed. I strive to create energy with the colours and images which can be experienced by the viewer.”
For two and a half decades, Reimer’s paintings have focused on the landscape of Western Canada, in particular, British Columbia’s Pacific coast islands, the Okanagan Valley, Kootenays and Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and foothills. She continues to develop these themes. She has also explored painting medieval townscapes and vineyards in Tuscany and Provence and vineyards in California. Future work will include series based on the Laurentians, rural Quebec and Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes district, and Andalucia, Spain.
“The British Columbia landscape is bold and assertive, never timid. The landforms are rugged; the contrast between land, sky and sea dramatic. For this reason the colour and brushwork in my paintings have a strong visual impact which resonates with the landscape portrayed. I possess a strong urge to document and define this landscape.”
Reimer works exclusively in acrylics on canvas and prefers larger canvases for greater visual impact. She photographs extensively, determining compositions which are later refined in sketches.
INFLUENCES
Reimer states that her painting has been influenced by the Canadian Group of Seven, particularly Tom Thomson, Frederick Varley, A.Y. Jackson and J.E.H. MacDonald. Contemporary Canadian painting influences include Jack Shadbolt, E.J. Hughes and Jim Gordaneer. European influences include Van Gogh, Matisse and Gauguin.
“When I studied visual arts at university my great-uncle, notable Canadian painter Max Maynard, provided my initial inspiration to paint landscape. Maynard was a close friend of artist, Jack Shadbolt, who referred to Max as his “first mentor”. As young men Maynard and Shadbolt admired the work of Emily Carr and spent time in her Victoria studio. I consider Max Maynard to be my first mentor. “
BIOGRAPHY
CHRISTINE REIMER (B.F.A., Dip.Ed.)
Canadian, born 1954
B.F.A. (Visual Arts) University of Victoria, 1977
Diploma in Education (Art) University of Victoria, 1979
Victoria College of Art (painting), 1981
PUBLICATIONS
"The Art of Sooke Harbour House-Recipes Inspired by the Art" 2003
Biennial Guide to Canadian Artists in Galleries 2004-2005
SELECTED CORPORATE COLLECTIONS
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Levesque Securities
Telus Alberta
Lawson Lundell
Delta Hotels
Coast Hotels & Resorts
Sooke Harbour House
Maltwood Art Museum & Gallery, University of Victoria Rycon Corporation (Manteo Beach Resort)
Total Petroleum
Suncor Oil
Barrington Petroleum
Morgan Creek Developments
Spinnaker's Brew Pub & Guest House
Trimark Investments
Tri-Eagle Developments
RECOGNITION
LEADER, donor, Victoria Hospitals Foundation
Cover Image, Rotary Calendar 2007