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Painter

Donald Christianson

Since retiring 10 years ago my passion has been painting watercolours. The unpredictable movement of water and paint lends itself to intuitive expression. For me, painting is music that you can see.

I have always been interested in the creative process. When you sit down to draw or paint, your brain kicks in and your sense of freedom is matched by the expansion of time. As a boy my mother would draw horses for me and church and my dad paid my tuition for an art correspondence course. I don’t have any particular subject that I like to paint. The early florals have given way to birds, horses and now animals with two eyes. The second eye is the challenge as it must balance with the first. I now frame my paintings without a mat or glass. The finished paper is glued to a wooden panel, sprayed with varnish and then treated with a special wax.

Over the past 8 years I have hosted 4 shows in support of fresh-water wells in Uganda. The wells are dedicated to someone you have lost. The first well in Mahdengo was for my friend Allen, the second well in Bunyika was for my dad Gordon, the third well in Okolimeri was for my mother Doreen, and the fourth well in Otisa was for my nephew Chad. Water 4 Kids is a Phoenix based foundation that to date has drilled over 1000 wells in Uganda.

Artworks by

Donald Christianson

The intersection where art, culture and community converge.
Route 22 Gallery is located on the land of the Treaty 7 people. In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Treaty 7 territory and the cultural and oral practices of the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations as well as the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, (Métis Nation District 4) within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. It is a privilege and and an honour to share these lands as our collective home. Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery is an inclusive organization. We love our community and all are welcome here.

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