Gary Morton

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Gary Morton, in a manner evocative of Colville and Pratt, produces art that is remarkable in its mood and perfection of composition. The subjects of his compositions are contemplative and mysterious, raising questions that remain unanswered. What, for example, is the story behind the boat abandoned in a field; or the nude, wearing a brightly coloured hat, who is staring at an empty highway?

English-born Morton was brought up in New Brunswick and lives and paints at his studio home in Nova Scotia. His working space is uncluttered: the old-fashioned straight nib pens he uses to apply his acrylic paints are stored neatly away when not in use. Morton has estimated that it takes him at least fifty-two hours to complete one painting.

Morton, a pointillist, works in acrylic, using a pen or a brush tip, gradually building up colour with strokes and dots of varying size and intensity. This technique originated in the neo-impressionist paintings of Georges Seurat, produces textures and images so real that they beg to be touched.

Morton’s work is found in private and public collections across Canada and the United States.