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Island Dancer

The energy and colour of a festival performance, held for a moment in oil on canvas.

Painting of a young dancer in a colourful costume against a muted background.
Island Dancer

At the Belleville Waterfront and Ethnic Festival in 2018, I had the chance to photograph a group of dancers and drummers displaying their exceptional musical skills.

This young dancer had such rhythm and energy that I found her captivating. I caught a photograph of her in full movement and painted that moment in oil on canvas.

Her dress was brilliant in colour and shone in the afternoon sun. I hoped to meet her the following year and give her the painting, but the opportunity never came.

I often take photographs of performances so I can paint them and capture the memory of the wonderful acts I have witnessed.

I hope you enjoy “Island Dancer.”

“A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.”

— Paul Cézanne

Thank you,

Christopher Finkle

That wish to capture a performance also inspired Soul Singer and Joe Bonamassa.

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