‘Beauty of Flora and Land’

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Published on Friday, October 14, 2016

Photos by Kate Jackman-Atkinson. Four of Gerd Behrendt’s landscapes on display.

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

On Oct. 5, Riding Mountain-based artist Gerd Behrendt opend his show at ArtsForward in Neepawa.  Called “Beauty of Flora and Land”, Behrendt’s show features acrylic paintings of flowers and lanscape scenes, all painted within the last two years.

Behrendt was born in Germany and grew up during the war. He and his wife moved to Canada in the 1950s and during those years, he focused on his farm.  After decades of working the land, he returned to his art, fulfillng a dream of his youth. Today, he’s retired, spending his time painting and playing the fiddle. “I love what I’m doing now,” he said.

Gerd Behrendt stands with one of his favourite paintings of the collection. He had trouble with one of his eyes, losing sight in it and this painting of a poppy from his garden simulates how he saw the world. “I could see the flower, but not all the green around,” he explained.

Behrendt has found the inspiration for most of his works by venturing off the beaten path, sitting in a ditch or from memory. He explains that he enjoy painting flowers for their beauty. 

“I hope I can keep on helping all you see what can be done if you have a will and love,” Behrendt explained.

The works will be on display until Oct. 28 at ArtsForward in Neepawa