“Where the spirit does not work the hand, there is no art.” – Leonardo Da Vinci
Ponoka artist, Hazel Bakewell, first became interested in visual art when reading a notice for classes in the local newspaper. The lessons in introductory drawing, composition and design were taught by the late Dorothy Gardner of Ponoka, being eager to share skills learned at the U of A extension, and supervised by Prof. Wohlfarth.
Hazel then joined the Ponoka Art Club which provided encouragement and support. Through the years she has been exposed to many different techniques and approaches to painting offered by qualified instructors employed by the Art Club. She has also participated in a few weekly Summer Series classes at Red Deer Community College. She now prefers oil paint but occasionally ventures into acrylics, watercolour or pastel.
Hazel is a member of long standing in the Alberta Association of Community Art Clubs, ACACA, organized by the U of A extension program and managed by elected members of various community clubs. She enters annually into the juried competition at the zone level, advancing on to compete against the combined zone winners before gaining entry into the Alberta wide show held at the Red Deer Gallery Museum. Hazel successfully reached top competition when a pastel picture won the Sherbeck award in 1997. In March, 1998, she was awarded the Lillian Nunn scholarship based on five recent paintings.
Through the U of A extension program, Hazel has joined campouts in the province to practise the art of “plein-air”, or painting out of doors. More recently she photographs captivating scenes to be painted later in the warmth and comfort of her studio.
Painting is her way of sharing some of the places she has enjoyed and holds in memory. Hazel has a deep respect for the natural landscapes and for old buildings depicting the past. Her approach is intimate and detailed, specializing in oils.
Hazel Bakewell is a dedicated builder and promoter of the Ponoka Art Club. She has served as president for a total of 25 years, alternating as past president eleven additional years.