Sunset Inferno #1 - Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

Introducing "Sunset Inferno #1 - Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse", a stunning set of 3 pieces that captures the vivid energy and dynamic beauty of Peggy’s Cove. The beacon stands as a solid and sturdy figure amid a swirling tempest of stormy colours.

In this piece, the background comes alive with intense bursts of orange, red, and yellow, interwoven with hints of black and white. These swirling colours create an impressionistic and abstract rendering that evokes a sense of movement and energy, almost as if the viewer is witnessing a fiery, dramatic stormy sunset in motion. The contrast between the stable structure of the Lighthouse and the fluid, almost chaotic backdrop gives the piece a vibrant, eye-catching appeal.

One of the distinctive aspects of this artwork is that it was created Plein Air at Peggy’s Cove, adding an authentic touch of on-site inspiration and immediacy. The result is a captivating painting that combines classical architecture with a modern, impressionistic approach to colour and form. This blend brings out the fierce beauty of a sunset at one of the most picturesque locations, making it a true standout piece for any art collection.

The Peggy's Cove Lighthouse is known as the most photographed Lighthouse in the world!

Prints are signed on the back by the Artist and are ready to be slipped into the frame of your choice.

Makes a great gift and fits in an envelope, or roll tube for ease of transportation.

Drop Shipping Available. Purchase a print as a gift, and we will ship it directly to the person you would like to send it to.

Perfect for corporate gift-giving!

Bulk orders are available.

Gift Certificates Available.

For more information, feel free to contact Katherine at info@thegicleegallery.ca

Biography of Nova Scotia Artist Colin Cook

Colin Cook is a contemporary Canadian artist based in Rocklin, Nova Scotia, renowned for his vibrant, emotionally charged, and innovative approach to art. Born and raised in Pictou County, Cook has been creating art his entire life, driven by an innate passion for creativity. His work is characterized by bold colours, fluid lines, and dynamic movement, aiming to inspire, uplift, and evoke positive emotions in viewers. Cook’s art spans multiple mediums and styles, including large-scale murals, graphic design, portraits, realism, abstracts, and sculptural installations, showcasing his versatility and fearless exploration of form and media.

Early Life and Influences

Growing up in a household where television was a reward for good grades, Cook often turned to drawing due to his less-than-stellar academic performance. This early habit of sketching laid the foundation for his artistic journey.

As a student at West Pictou District High, a pivotal moment occurred when he was sent to the principal’s office for misbehaving. Instead of reprimanding him, Principal Ed Doucette recognized his talent and commissioned him to paint a mural on a school wall. Doucette’s advice, “It’s just paint. If you don’t like it, paint over it,” became a lifelong mantra for Cook, encouraging fearless experimentation. This led to Cook painting murals in nine area schools, marking the beginning of his public art career.

Cook is self-taught, never having taken formal art lessons, though he occasionally sought advice from his uncle, well-known painter Dan Munro. His early creative endeavours included producing a comic book series called Callin’ It Like It Is in pre-Internet times, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and love for storytelling through art.

Career and Artistic Style

Cook’s professional journey blends his artistic passion with a long-term career in graphic design. His first job was as an illustrator designing images for Sobey's flyers. He later joined the sign and design team at Eastern Sign Print and the Pictou Advocate. This technical expertise informs his ability to incorporate motion and multimedia into his work, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.

His paintings, often acrylics on canvas, are known for their vibrant colours and energetic compositions, depicting subjects like lighthouses, birds in flight, fish in motion, and abstract human forms. Cook’s recent focus on fluid-form acrylic paintings has resulted in a unique style that captures the beauty of the human experience, offering viewers endless visual sensuality and aesthetic pleasure. He emphasizes emotion and movement, encouraging others to paint with the “abandon of a child,” free from criticism or fear of mistakes.

Cook’s work has gained significant recognition. At a 2023 show at Shaun’s in New Glasgow, he exhibited 56 paintings and sold 26, a notable achievement according to his partner, Katherine Chaisson, Executive Director of The Hidden Gallery. His art has been displayed at the Nova Scotia Art Gallery in connection with Halifax’s Salsa and Bachata Festival, and his commissioned pieces adorn the fabulous Tower Hotel. Cook can often be found painting live on stage, at festivals, and events, and is not shy to broadcast his creation process for all to see.

Collaborations and Business Ventures

Cook’s partner, Katherine Chaisson, plays a crucial role in promoting his work, leveraging her business and promotional skills to increase his exposure. Together, they produce artistic banners, giclee prints, oversized magnetic prints, murals, art shows, group and solo exhibitions, diversifying his artistic output. Chaisson’s efforts have allowed Cook to focus more on painting, with aspirations to make it his full-time career.

Cook is President of The Hidden Gallery of Westville, Nova Scotia, an Art Gallery, Studio and Micro Theatre located at 1757 North Main Street in Westville, Nova Scotia, where he holds the title of Resident Artist. There you can find his available artworks, as well as a large selection of fine art and giclee prints.

His online gallery, www.colincook.ca showcases his contemporary art for sale, while his Social Media Pages, Abstractions by Colin Cook, showcase his creation process and updates on what is new in Colin's world.

Artistic Philosophy and Impact

Cook’s philosophy centers on creating art that speaks to the soul. Art that energizes its audience and reflects the vibrancy of life. He views his work as perpetually evolving, stating that his pieces are never truly finished but reach a natural limit where he feels there is nothing more to add. His uninhibited, motivational style and spirit of exploration keep his creations fresh and engaging, earning him a reputation as one of Nova Scotia’s most exciting and innovative artists.

Cook’s signature, simply his first name “Colin,” remains consistent from his high school murals to his current works, a nod to his roots and a recognizable mark of his identity. His ability to create art from virtually anything he touches—whether canvas, walls, or multimedia—underscores his boundless creativity and dedication to his craft.

Sources

• Abstractions by Colin Cook | www.colincook.ca
• The Hidden Gallery | www.thehiddengallery.ca
• The Giclee Gallery | www.thegicleegallery.ca

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/AbstractionsByColinCook

https://www.instagram.com/abstractionsbycolincook/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abstractionsbycolincoo...

https://www.youtube.com/@abstractionsbycolincook

https://www.tiktok.com/@the.hidden.gallery

https://twitter.com/artistcolincook