Vanaja Cotroneo
I grew up in New Delhi, and by today’s standards we would be considered poor – there was no refrigerator, no television, and no radio. It never occurred to me that art could be an option. I had no voice, or strength of my own. That would come years later. But first I had to experience the challenges as a new immigrant – leaving family…walking into the unknown in Canada. Life required a focus on raising a family and career, with little time for art.
When my children became teenagers, I started taking painting classes. But a few months into it, a debilitating accident derailed me. I lost the dexterity of my hands. It was a setback, but I never gave up.
While in rehab, I would exercise my nerve-damaged fingers and arms by attempting to draw, following the lessons in the book “Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards which I had bought just before the accident. I knew I had to keep at it, I had to keep moving my fingers and arms. Drawing became part of my physio.
Moving forward. Juggling a full time job. Managing life crises and daily challenges. I studied under some well-known artists that I admired. They guided me in honing my skills and ability to express myself. In the last few years I have experimented with and developed my own style, which varies according to subject matter and medium.
Today, I am a prolific painter and also undertake commissions for portraits (both human and pets), landscapes, and abstracts, which I find both challenging and rewarding.
I have exhibited my work in many group shows, a three-person show, and won several awards.. I’m currently a member of the following art organizations:
- The Art Guild of Scarborough (TAGS), on the Executive as Exhibition Chair
- East Central Ontario Art Association (ECOAA)
- Central Ontario Art Association (COAA)
- Arts on the Credit (AOTC), Mississauga
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Time flies when I paint, whether I’m holding a brush or a palette knife. The freshness and transparency of watercolours, the vibrancy of acrylics, and the buttery feel of oils transport me into a different frame of mind.
I see beauty and inspiration wherever I am, whether it be southern France, Italy, India, or right here in Ontario, Canada. In translating them on to canvas, I revisit these places in my paintings, and I am reminded of the sounds, the smell, the joy and excitement I experienced.
I want to take you along to experience my adventures with me.
I hope my art brings out that spark of light and joy in you, that breathless awe, the wonder…
I grew up in New Delhi, and by today’s standards we would be considered poor – there was no refrigerator, no television, and no radio. It never occurred to me that art could be an option. I had no voice, or strength of my own. That would come years later. But first I had to experience the challenges as a new immigrant – leaving family…walking into the unknown in Canada. Life required a focus on raising a family and career, with little time for art.
When my children became teenagers, I started taking painting classes. But a few months into it, a debilitating accident derailed me. I lost the dexterity of my hands. It was a setback, but I never gave up.
While in rehab, I would exercise my nerve-damaged fingers and arms by attempting to draw, following the lessons in the book “Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards which I had bought just before the accident. I knew I had to keep at it, I had to keep moving my fingers and arms. Drawing became part of my physio.
Moving forward. Juggling a full time job. Managing life crises and daily challenges. I studied under some well-known artists that I admired. They guided me in honing my skills and ability to express myself. In the last few years I have experimented with and developed my own style, which varies according to subject matter and medium.
Today, I am a prolific painter and also undertake commissions for portraits (both human and pets), landscapes, and abstracts, which I find both challenging and rewarding.
I have exhibited my work in many group shows, a three-person show, and won several awards.. I’m currently a member of the following art organizations:
- The Art Guild of Scarborough (TAGS), on the Executive as Exhibition Chair
- East Central Ontario Art Association (ECOAA)
- Central Ontario Art Association (COAA)
- Arts on the Credit (AOTC), Mississauga
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Time flies when I paint, whether I’m holding a brush or a palette knife. The freshness and transparency of watercolours, the vibrancy of acrylics, and the buttery feel of oils transport me into a different frame of mind.
I see beauty and inspiration wherever I am, whether it be southern France, Italy, India, or right here in Ontario, Canada. In translating them on to canvas, I revisit these places in my paintings, and I am reminded of the sounds, the smell, the joy and excitement I experienced.
I want to take you along to experience my adventures with me.
I hope my art brings out that spark of light and joy in you, that breathless awe, the wonder…
$100.00
Oil on canvas board.
8x6"
Painted plein air in the Czech Republic.
Comes with a wooden easel so it can be placed on a table or shelf.
$100.00
Oil on canvas board.
8x6"
A field of foxgloves, painted plein air in the Czech Republic.
Comes with a wooden easel so it can be placed on a table or shelf.
$85.00
Oil on wood panel.
7x5"
As the sun was going down, the water was sparkling by Rugged Trails, Parry Sound (Ontario).
Comes with a wooden easel so it can be placed on a table or shelf.
All my wood panels are first sealed with GAC 100, and then gessoed three or four times.
$85.00
Acrylic on wood panel.
7x5"
The reservoir at Hilton Falls…a peaceful place for a picnic, a nature walk, or a trail run. It's not too far from Toronto (Ontario, Canada).
All my wood panels are first sealed with GAC 100, and then gessoed three or four times.
Comes with a wooden easel so it can be placed on a table or shelf.
$85.00
Acrylic on wood panel.
7x5"
The Canadian winter, with its bright sunlight behind the trees, casting shadows across the snow in beautiful rhythmic pattern
Sealed with GAC 100, then gessoed four times before painting on it.
Comes with an easel, so it can be placed on a table or shelf also.
$85.00
Acrylic on wood panel.
7x5"
The reservoir at Hilton Falls (Ontario)…a peaceful place for a picnic, a nature walk, or a trail run.
Sealed with GAC 100, then gessoed four times before painting on it. Comes with an easel.
$85.00
Acrylic on wood panel.
7x5"
A dreamy sunset I was lucky enough to witness over sand dunes in Dubai!
Comes with a mini easel, so it can be placed on a desk or shelf also.
Wood panel is sealed with GAC 100, then gessoed four times before painting on it.
$85.00
Acrylic on wood panel.
7x5"
This serene Japanese-style park in Mississauga (Ontario) honours the City’s twin-city relationship with Kariya, Japan. The bridge is very popular with people taking selfies, or just photos of each other, but most of all – brides! It's a small park, but lovely, with ponds, ducks, geese, turtles & a variety of birds. It also has a huge collection of cherry blossoms.
All my wood panels are first sealed with GAC 100, and then gessoed three or four times. Comes with a wooden easel.
$85.00
Oil on canvas board.
7x5"
Painting comes with a mini wood easel, so it can be placed on a desk or shelf.
$85.00
Oil on wood panel.
7x5"
Painting comes with a mini wood easel, so it can be placed on a desk or shelf.
All wood panels are sealed with GAC 100, then gessoed four times before painting on it.
$85.00
Acrylic on wood panel.
7x5"
Painting comes with a mini wood easel, so it can be placed on a desk or shelf.
All wood panels are sealed with GAC 100, then gessoed four times before painting on it.
$85.00
Acrylic on wood panel.
5x7"
Textured surface. Painting comes with a mini easel so it can be placed on a desk or shelf.