Mercurio Gallery

New works by virtuosic oil painter Ken Faulks enliven Coast Collective Art Centre May, 2012.
Recent paintings from Ken’s road trip through BC and Alberta complement his local landscapes and abstractions. Artist in attendance at majestic Havenwood mansion. Mercurio Gallery presents Ken Faulks at Coast Collective Art Centre.

Kym Hill owner of Mercurio Gallery

Kym Hill moved Mercurio Gallery from Courtney Street in Victoria to the heart of Metchosin in September, 2011. Her new location is large and bright, with ample space to display of her eclectic collection of Limners and contemporary artwork.
Kym is happy to be living and working in arts-friendly Metchosin. “We have a vibrant cultural community here,” she says, “and we all support each other.”

Exterior of Mercurio in Metchosin

A jewelry maker for 35 years, Kym’s finely honed aesthetic sense ensures a good eye for art. “I can pick out special pieces right away,” she says. Kym’s artistic eye looks forward to seeing Ken’s artwork grace the walls of the Havenwood mansion. Coast Collective’s historic home sits in stately splendour on tree-covered grounds overlooking Esquimalt Lagoon.

Eclectic collection of Limners
and contemporary artwork

Kym Hill enjoys the sense of bravado and confident brushwork that make Ken’s paintings “precious gems”. Ken’s abstractions contain the same potent energy as his landscapes.

Many of Ken’s fresh new works have already sold to collectors in Alberta and BC. Two previous solo shows of Ken’s work at Mercurio have been very successful.

Snowy Drive, 36 x 48in, oil on canvas, 2012 with artist Ken Faulks.

Ken Faulks is a full-time visual artist with a background in graphic design.

In 1989, Ken began to paint outside - en plein air. He quickly grew skilled at painting in natural settings under various conditions. Using energetic brush strokes and thick impasto paint, the artist skillfully captures the essence of a scene. Back in his studio, he often translates these compact pieces into larger works. In 1992, Ken began to abstract landscapes, interiors and still life subjects. Inventive and flexible, he also produces lush abstract images using digital media. www.kenfaulks.com

Ken is comfortable tackling larger pieces.

Snow Clouds, 4ft x 6ft, oil on canvas, 2012.

Snow Clouds (4x6 feet) is one of the largest pieces in the exhibition. Having completed several murals in his career, Ken is comfortable tackling larger pieces. “I love to paint big turbulent skies tumbling over a low horizon,” he says. The strong prairie light and crisp snow scenes invigorated the artist during his road ramble through Alberta.

Ken stayed in a remote cabin on Wabamun Lake

Big Cloud, Near Wabamun Lake, 11 x 14in, oil on panel, 2011.

“It was inspirational to see unique country and paint in different light conditions,” he says. The artist gets great pleasure from working with oils. The paint is slow to dry and can be reworked or painted over, he explains. “I like the consistency and creamy texture of the medium.”
His palette board seldom dries out, thickly coated with his favourite hues: brown umber, viridian green, alizarin crimson, yellow ochre and cadmium red and yellow.

Holland Point Sky, 11x14, oil on panel, 2011

Government House Irises, 10x12, oil on panel, 2011.

Beacon Hill, December, oil on panel, 11x14in, 2011.

Misty Morning Field, Fort Langley, 11 x14in, oil on panel, 2011

Coulee Shade, Ashcroft: 11 x 14in, oil on panel, 2011

Cold Beach Mt Doug, 11 x14in, oil on panel, 2011

Over the years, Ken’s painting colleagues have included well-respected local artists:
Andrew Wooldridge, Philip Mix and Adam Noonan.
Adam Noonan, who paints street scenes in Victoria, often works with Ken. Adam calls Ken “an expert colourist” who is able to see and record subtleties of shading. “Ken’s brushstrokes of many colours may look effortless,” he says, “but require great skill and experience.” Adam, who has background in brokerage, believes Ken’s paintings are a good investment. www.adamnoonan.com

When Andy Wooldridge first painted with Ken in 1989, he discovered an extremely able and talented artist. “Ken’s paintings are very gestural,” says Andy, “full of lively, dynamic movement.” According to Andy, Ken has good hand-eye coordination and drafting skills. These assist his remarkable ability to put down an image. www.andywooldridge.com

Philip Mix describes his friend as an authentic and original artist with great natural talent. “Ken has a fine sense of interpretation and an attuned sense of colour,” says Philip. Philip revers Ken’s ability to see and hold a mood and image while painting in changing conditions. Confident, Ken stays focused and gives you what he sees. www.philipmix.com