The artists among us

David Bayly, a full-time artist originally from the Kingston area who has been painting and sculpting for over 30 years, recently moved himself, his art work and his art supplies into the big old stone church on the north side of Rutledge Road in Harrowsmith.  The church was originally Presbyterian and built around 1871. Fifty years later it became Methodist. Once owned by the brother of a famous Kingstonian Blues Brother and ghost buster, David bought the place almost one year ago and renamed it Ironwood Studio.

While the outside of the church still remains in great shape, (though David plans to add a few ornamental flourishes), he and friends put a lot of work and 50 gallons plus worth of paint into fixing up the interior of the church hall which was in need of some repair.

The results are astounding, and the studio is an artist’s dream studio - high ceilings, 30 feet plus, endless floor space, big windows and wall space enough to hang a 30-year retrospective.

The front and centre part of the room, where the original altar used to stand, now serves as the artist’s work space. Two wooden easels stand facing one another and a table off to the side houses paints, brushes and other artists tools. A grouping of large overstuffed chairs, perhaps for reflecting, sit directly in front of the work space.

David’s most recent oil paintings cover the walls presently. They have 2 divergent themes. The first group are the figurative pieces that originate usually from quick pencil gestures drawn using live models. These gestures are then elaborated upon and painted in varying hues of subtle and satisfying pastel colours.

The second group are the abstracts which are painted in the same style and colours as the figurative pieces, though based solely on abstract designs.

David likes to paint his personal life and shows me some gesture drawings he recently did of his daughter and her young baby.

David is excited about his new digs and looks forward to being able to offer it up to the public as a place to hold events and celebrations. Anyone interested in viewing his work or renting the space should contact him at (613) 376-6474.