This September, join us at MERA (McDonalds Corners and Elphin Recreation and Arts) for an Art Show and Meet the Artist Event on September 4th featuring the work of Brian and Leane Bailey.

Brian and Leane retired from their careers in 2016, and moved to Ompah, Ontario, where Brian resumed his interest in art by drawing using pastel pencils. In early 2017, Brian encouraged Leane to do some drawing and she started drawing some simple landscapes and animals using coloured pencils. During that time both Brian and Leane started following other artists on-line, to learn about drawing techniques, do on-line tutorials, and to research the different coloured pencils, pastels, drawing papers, etc. that were now available versus the typical art supplies they had used in school. They learned techniques of blending and layering coloured pencils and pastels, and how to matt and frame their artwork.

Brian’s favourite medium is pastel pencils, and he strives to create the most realistic pastel drawing that he can of each subject, and often his artwork is mistaken for an actual photograph. His preferred subjects are landscapes, but he has done several commissioned pieces of family portraits, baby portraits, home and cottage portraits, pets, airplanes, etc. He was hired by a real-estate agent to create pastel portraits of several maple syrup sugar shacks that he had sold, as a unique gift for the new buyers.

Leane’s favourite medium in coloured pencils as she enjoys the fine details and vibrant colours she can get using them. Leane’s favourite subjects are pets, and wildlife, but she has also done some pastel landscapes, and some acrylic painting as well. Leane has done several commissioned pet portraits for friends, family, and other clients, often as a special memory of a pet who has recently passed. Brian and Leane have had their artwork on display at various locations and annual events in the community, such as the Cloyne Art Showcase, the North Frontenac Backroads Studio Tour, and at many arts and craft shows.

Brian and Leane have been selected and have painted four large outdoor murals on display in the Township of North Frontenac. In 2022 Brian and Leane were selected by Ann Kullberg to have their artwork featured in her CP Hidden Treasures 7 magazine. Brian and Leane, known as Art By The Baileys have a Facebook Page, where people can view their art gallery, see their current projects, and watch some art videos too at www.facebook.com/ArtByTheBaileys/ They are honoured to be the featured artists at MERA in September.
To arrange to see the exhibition please contact Wayne Stryde gwstryde@outlook.com.