Her magic power

Virginia Dupuis is a painter who, through her creative vision and artistic soul, creates extraordinary beauty out of what others might find ordinary: a handful of blueberries, a jar of preserves, frogs gathered on lily pads in a marsh, knitting needles and a ball of yarn. They all come to life in the most spectacular way when we see the world through her eyes.

“I like to take the time to honour domesticity and the handing down of tradition. It’s very important to me that the things that we term ‘women’s work’ are celebrated for the love and care they bring into the world,” states Dupuis.

This approach is reflected in her way of working: Patiently and lovingly, she applies her oil paint one layer at a time. This is painstaking work but, when you see the final result, it is very much worth the wait. The subtlety in the colours is her magic power and, through this, she reveals to the viewer a new way of seeing something that they may have seen hundreds of times before. For example, her landscapes, inspired by Petrie Island and environs, display an astonishing richness of hue and intricacy of detail. She captures the palette, yes, and also the emotion.

She adds, “Art is important. When you make a connection with a painting, it can make a difference in your life. It can inspire you or help you see something in a new way. It can take you to a new place or a new way of thinking, beyond where you’ve been before.”

Dupuis’ approach to art is also reflected in her approach to life. She loves Orléans for how friendly it is and the deep sense of community she feels here. A computer scientist by training who spent the first years of her career as a business analyst, art was the perfect second career for her. She “dabbled” a few years but then got very serious, completing a three-year diploma at the Ottawa School of Art. She has been part of many solo and group exhibitions.

Currently, you can see her paintings at the Shenkman Centre and in the Heart of Orleans BIA offices and experience first-hand the sense of grace and charm hidden in the everyday that imbues each piece of her artwork.