Groenendyk, Doretta

Doretta received a BA in Art Education from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. After years of teaching, traveling abroad, and tree planting, she began painting full time. Since living in the Annapolis Valley, her work has been influenced by the colours, lines, and stories around her. Doretta is also the author/illustrator of 12 children’s books (Nimbus and Acorn Press). Her widely known acrylic paintings are available in several maritime galleries and through private commission.

Artist Statement

My paintings come to life at the kitchen table (next to a pot of tea and an even larger pot of cookies). I paint narrative acrylic images on board and canvas that are whimsical and playful. The work I create is woven into my lifestyle, which is filled with stories and possibility. Compositionally much of my work is slightly off kilter, a feeling of movement and charming energy exists. Just as the work is created within my family living space, so the images depict life in its familiar yet poetic narrative.

The text in my picture books often captures an overall idea about a subject with which I am interested. The feeling of inclusion and the capacity for creating conversations is present. Gently, diversity is visually communicated and poetry is felt as much as it is read. Moments are suspended.