MOOSE MOUNTAIN PROVINCIAL PARK - Cindy Howden has been painting for over 40 years and this is her first time at the Artist Colony of Moose Mountain Provincial Park.
Howden lives in Regina and continues to work fulltime while also pursuing her art career.
Folk art is where it began for Howden. She also does oil paintings, but her favourite is acrylic abstract painting.
This form of art is pouring paint from a cup and swishing the paint on canvas back and forth to create a unique and original design. None are ever the same.
According to Howden, it is a fun way to do art. With plastic covering the floor and an apron on, this form of art can become messy.
Abstract painting can be done in diverse ways. Using a blow dryer is one to move the paint around or simply splattering the paint on the canvas.
Once the paint dries, which usually takes two to three days, a scene or landscape may be painted over the abstract colours.
Howden also makes jewelry. Each piece is an original. She also does abstract art on wooden boxes.
Resin art is another one of Howden’s specialties.
Howden loves to teach her art and will host a paint night to accommodate this. She conducted one class that had 48 people through Zoom during COVID-19 restrictions.
While at the colony, Howden was camping at Kenosee Lake. She had not been at the lake in 30 years and had not camped in 12 years. Her SUV managed to house all her camping supplies and art items.
Howden felt welcomed by the friendly atmosphere at the cabins. Her first day was inspired by the younger generation coming to see her beautiful work.
“The neatly painted and clean cabins are a pleasure to be in and I love it here. It is beautiful,” said Howden.
Howden is a member of the Prairie Artist Guild in Regina and has displayed her art at trade shows and art shows.
It is her hope to return to the Artist Colony next year.
