KAMLOOPS – A new exhibit of oil paintings by Darryl Nelson will be on display at the Kamloops Arts Council Main Gallery, Old Courthouse Cultural Centre, from June 4 to 24.

Darryl Nelson is a self-taught artist, whose inspiration is the spectacular scenery of his home province of British Columbia, Canada. A member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Nelson has participated in juried shows through the Kamloops chapter, as well as at frequent shows in Vancouver.

Nelson has spent countless hours hiking, fishing, and exploring the lakes and hills of British Columbia. He has always had a close connection with nature, which he likes to share with his wife and three children. Nelson started painting in his thirties, and has been drawn to artistic expression from his youth. He endeavors to capture those special moments of nature and life in each painting.

Nelson’s artwork truly brings new life to these beautiful landscapes that many Kamloopsians and British Columbians appreciate and work hard to protect. These works will share glimpses of treasured Kamloops places as well as the Interior of British Columbia. These large scale oil paintings must be appreciated in person to capture how passionate Nelson is about his surroundings.

"My work reflects an appreciation of the natural diversity of our province," Nelson says. "I have experienced what being in the outdoors can do for one's spirit, and I strive to find strong compositions that will draw the viewer in and create a feeling of connection to the landscape. I like to paint a diverse selection of scenes, as there are just so many possibilities for great paintings everywhere I look! It is important to me to capture the details that make each tree, hill and cloud unique. It is like a portrait where the individual features give it life and meaning. I hope my work inspires others to appreciate and protect this great land we live in for future generations."