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Donated painting finalist in international competition
Local artist Joseph Cross was asked in 2020 to donate a painting to Rotary Club of Cranbrook Sunrise as a fundraising effort through the club’s Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo bicycle event, to support the new Foundry (youth recovery centre) for Cranbrook.
Joseph was pleased to donate to a much-needed facility. After touring the Fondo routes with a few Rotarians, Joseph decided on a location for the painting that he is very familiar with.
Although the Gran Fondo had to be cancelled again this year, all was not lost.
The painting, titled “Spring Training for the Fondo” was completed this winter. Rotarians came up with a marketing plan, to raise $20,000 by selling 1,000 tickets at $20 a piece on the original painting. Ticket sales are going well.
Joseph has been present with Rotary Club members at the Cranbrook Farmers Market several times to sell tickets on the original.
This spring, Joseph, who has been featured several times in International Artist Magazine, decided to enter “Spring Training for the Fondo” in the magazine’s Landscape Challenge No. 124.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” said Joseph.
He received notification and a certificate in June that the painting was a Finalist and has been published in the August/September 2021 International Artist Magazine, edition #140.
“This is great publicity for the Rotary Club’s promotion of the tickets and limited edition prints. I am very happy for Rotary that this painting placed in a world-wide competition and also pleased that my artwork has also been recognized again internationally.” Joseph stated.
Information about the painting, that he submitted to the magazine for publishing included:
My Inspiration: Rotary Clubs enhance our communities. When asked to support them through donating a painting for their annual Gran Fondo event, I quickly agreed. After scouting several Fondo scenes, I chose this setting. Being an avid cyclist and having lived very close to the location of this painting, I knew that cycling this scenic and winding road, having the splendour of the Rocky Mountains in full view, is what inspires most everyone who travels this route.
My Design Strategy: Composition was challenging in creating the joy of cycling amid such beauty. I wanted the flowering balsam root to invite the viewer to the hills, then to the distant Steeples of the Rocky Mountains, with the cyclists being secondary, thus the long horizontal view. Mid-ground buildings and telephone poles were removed, because when cycling, it’s only the mountains and the feeling that matter. Strong early evening light gives it a peaceful glow.
My Working Process: After several site visits, gathering photographs, I designed the format and size of painting on my computer. Painting size helps to convey the feeling I want to express. Layout is done loosely with charcoal on prepped mdf board, which is easy to change until I’m satisfied with the outline. Painting begins loosely with a base colour, followed by my darkest darks with suggestions of lightest values. Details are added until I sense it’s finished.
Joseph will be at the Cranbrook Farmers Market again on September 4 with a print of the original painting on display. This is a great opportunity to win an original painting, while supporting a great cause.
The draw will take place September 11.
Tickets are also available by e-transferring to: [email protected] The Cranbrook Public Library also has a print of the painting on display.
To view more of Joseph Cross’ art, visit his website at www.josephcrossart.com
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