Mary Pratt, Cold Cream (1983)
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Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick and living in St. John’s, Newfoundland for most of her life and career, Mary Pratt is one of Canada’s realist painters of the highest order. Her subject matter ranges from luminescent jelly jars and other domestic still lifes to pensive nudes and fleeting dramatic moments (such as a fire blazing in a steel barrel). Pratt’s artwork is as much about the intricate interplay of light and color on her subjects as anything else.
In conjunction with a traveling exhibition of Pratt’s paintings organized by the The Rooms of Newfoundland and Labrador (May – Sept. 2013) and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (starting Oct. 2014), Goose Lane Editions recently published a beautiful new book, Mary Pratt (2013), which showcases much of her work. The book features a wide selection of her paintings as well as remarks by Pratt herself and thoughtfully written essays by several leading Canadian art writers.
O' Canada 
I love Mary Pratt and her work. I have one of her prints hanging in my office at work.
Darlene, she really is quite good!
Thank you for introducing me to this artist. She has a ‘photographic hand’ but much better than any camera. The wooden boat is stunning. And I love the piece of laundry with hints of impressionism.
Very, thanks for your interesting comments! I very much agree.
I think she is very very good.
Mary is a wonderful lady. I say lady because she strikes me very much of the typical southern lady. Even though she is not from there. She is very classy. Her work is quite beautiful. The luminescence is striking. I would love to know her secret.
Lola, interesting that you would day that about Pratt being like a southern lady because reading through her comments in the new book definitely conveys that same impression. Thanks for your nice comments.
Best, Brett
Wow! I hadn’t heard of Mary Pratt before but I love her work! The jellies are stunning and the bowl of pears. Thanks for bringing this work to our attention!
Kerry, yes, she’s quite amazing!
Best, Brett
I was stunned – in a good way – when I first saw one of her large paintings in the Beaverbrook Gallery in Fredericton some years ago. The detail is exquisite, and the paintings glow.
Oh — I like that idea of her works glowing and I can see that!
My goodness, just incredible work she does!!!!
Barb, very much so! Best, Brett
Brett she was involved, if not responsible for getting our Art gallery and Museum, The Rooms, built here. It is my view out my window. She lives about a 5 minute drive from me. I have been to her talks before. 🙂
Lola, thanks for noting that. My understanding is that but for her establishment of The Rooms would not have happened. Quite a lady! Sounds like a great view for you!
Mary Pratt–such beautiful realism.
🙂
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