Sorensen’s Studio of Fine Arts is located at 138 Main Road in Woody Point.
About the Studio: Sorensen’s Studio of Fine Arts exists today because of Lise’s strong will and determination. She had been renting the building for 14 years when it was due to be torn down for the use of the land. Lise wanted to buy it and keep it as a heritage house. After a bit of a battle and lots of work Lise acquired the building, had it restored and moved to its current location by the water. She now uses the building as a studio and teaching space. Lise offers three day and week long painting workshops throughout June, July, August and September. Lise feels it is important to teach people correctly. She doesn’t want to teach them to paint like her; she wants them to find their style and provides the tools and techniques to do that. The studio is open from the end of May until the end of September by appointment.
About the Artist: Lise Sorensen has been creating art since the age of three, when would collect clay from the ditch in Denmark and mould sculptures from it. After moving to Canada with her family, Lisa studied art in Toronto, Montreal and New York. Lise also trained with the Group of Seven’s Arthur Lisan. Painting landscape has alway been Lise’s passion and when she came to Gros Morne, she found it held endless inspiration for her. Lise will go to great lengths to follow this inspiration. She packs her oil paints and supplies on her back and hikes to remote areas to capture the scene. Lise works on many pieces at the same time, sometimes over the span of years. She believes it is essential to the integrity of painting to continue it with the elements the same as when she began to paint it. Lise has to have incredible patience and dedication with having to wait to experience the correct light, colours and seasons to finish a piece.
How does Gros Morne inspire your creativity? I was inspired by the Group of Seven and studied with Arthur Lismer. The group liked wilderness areas, as I do, so I found Newfoundland ideal. I am both a realist and an impressionist and I work entirely outdoors. I enjoy the particular light and the many weather conditions. As I’m also a regional painter, I find the diverse landscape here in Gros Morne very interesting and have also been intrigued by the unique geology of the Tablelands. In my view you have to know a subject in order to paint it, so I’ve studied a little geology.
What can visitors expect during Open Studio Days? Sorensen’s Studio of Fine Arts will be open for visitors from 3-5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Drop in for a coffee and chat with the artist.
For more information about Lise Sorensen, visit her website.