"The natural transparency and fluidity of watercolour allows me to highlight these features. Typically, I use 'negative' painting in my backgrounds to create depth and to emphasize the light.

In my acrylic work, I use colour relationships, value, patterns and substantial texture to create the impression of depth and light and to bring about the beauty and unusual effects of natural forms. My subject matter varies and is not as important to me as the mood or concept that I want to portray. In both watercolour and acrylic, I work to simplify my ideas, allowing and encouraging the viewer to relate to their own perceptions, emotions and individual experiences.

Techniques change, different subjects inspire and new mediums will be used. My work continues to evolve."

Ann Sutherland Gruchy, a visual artist with her studio in North Gower (Ottawa) is known for her bold, large three-dimensional mixed-media art. Her images have evolved during the past two years into semi-abstract and abstract works, stressing design, texture, light and colour. Combining her appreciation of natural colours and textures with a personal exploration of evolving techniques, she enjoys the exciting - sometimes unpredictable - effects found in applying clay onto canvas and painting it with acrylic. Her preferred themes relate to music, natural wood or rock surfaces, textured fruit or reflected light. Her more abstract works highlight the textures created on the surface. Other works are more graphic - the images drawn into the clay are then enhanced using various techniques and media (acrylic, collage, pastel, calligraphy) producing highly three-dimensional pieces.

Ann's well-known, intense watercolour work has also evolved - becoming minimalist, but again stressing light and design. She enjoys creating detailed forms against the depths of negative-space backgrounds, transforming landscapes, florals, still-life and figures into semi-abstract images.


Ann works and teaches in her North Gower studio.

Ann has taken part in many juried shows including:

Ottawa Art Festival 2004-7;
Ottawa Watercolour Society 2000-2007, (Juror's Award 2000);
Manotick Art Show 1991-2007, (Best in Show 2003, Featured Artist 2004);
Timespan Gallery, Helmsdale, Scotland 2003;
Nepean Fine Arts League 2005-6, (Juror's Award 2005 and 2006);
Tay River Gallery 2006-2007, Perth, ON;
Three Galleries 2004-2006, Toronto, ON;
Ottawa International Airport Solo Show 2006, Dec. 2007 - Jan. 2008; and
Art Lending 2006-2007, Ottawa, (Featured Artist 2006)