You don’t have to go outside to experience the Okanagan Valley’s awe-inspiring scenery.
A professional oil painter for more than 35 years, Gary Whitley’s work will be on display during April as Nadine’s Fine Art and Frames’ artist of the month.
Having lived in Cherryville for 29 years, it’s no surprise his landscapes typically depict the Valley.
“His landscapes are only overshadowed by his florals, which are out of this world, so breathtakingly beautiful,” said Nadine Wilson, owner of Nadine’s Fine Art and Frames in downtown Vernon.
An associate signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and elected member of the Society of Canadian artists, Whitley derives his floral paintings almost exclusively from the garden his wife has cultivated.
“His wife Liz once told me that ‘you can tell what kind of man he is when he paints flowers the way he does,” said Wilson. “It blows his gruff demeanor right out of the water.”
In his paintings, Whitley utilizes distinct light sources and aerial perspective to create the illusion of depth.
“I also paint subject matter I simply find interesting,” said Whitley in an artist statement.
Nadine’s Fine Art and Frames, located at 3101 31st Ave., is open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment.