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| Growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, Mississauga's Sofia Amaro-Elliott never saw the changing seasons. The budding artist only knew a temperate climate and sunshine. When she moved to Canada more than 25 years ago, she discovered the snow in winter, spring flowers, bubbling creeks and the shady woods in summer not to mention the brilliant shades of autumm. That burst of synergy is evident in her impressionistic landscapes, still-lifes and floras. Amaro-Elliott is one of several artists exhibiting works in the White Oaks Art Group's Exhibition & Sale, Friday Sunday at the Lorne Park Hall, 1288 Lorne Park Rd. "I notice the contrasts and rich colors of Canada’s changing seasons--- something not as noticeable in Mexico, said Amaro-Elliott, who lives here with DeWayne and her two children. " I like vibrant colors...reds and purples, particularly." The oil painter’s affinity for the impressionist style comes from her admiration of French masters like Monet and Renoir. She also admires the work of Canadians like Mary Lampman and Lucy Manley. "Now I get my inspiration from the power and beauty of the Canadian outdoors," said Amaro-Elliott who frequently ventures to Muskoka to observe the landscapes. "I've had the good fortune to have experienced both the Mexican and Canadian cultures, geography and climate." Amaro-Elliott said art was in her blood at an early age. Her mother did portraits in pencil and her grandmother did still-life oil paintings. " I love to create and look at the effects of my creations," said the artist." I don't go into detail. I give shapes and forms and colors, so you know what it is I'm painting. "I like to experiment with colors and shapes. I like to explore. There are no limits. "After studying oil painting at Toronto's Ontario College of Art and Mississauga's Springbank Art Centre, Amaro-Elliott joined the White Oaks group five years ago. She like the amicable atmosphere of the group's Friday morning sessions at Lorne Park Hall. "We all have to grow as artists," she said. "You eventually have to do your own thing but it's nice to have that support from the group." The shows runs Friday from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
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