Called "Summertime Reading", this beautiful painting by Old Ottawa South artist Crystal Beshara graces the children's library at the newly renovated Sunnyside Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. It was commissioned by the Friends of the Sunnyside Library, along with local artist Bhat Boy's "Jolly Old Ottawa South" which hangs in the main library upstairs.
Both restful and vibrant, the painting enhances the atmosphere of the Children's Room, and reflects the artist's own rural childhood. Children are excited to discover the smaller listening animals. (Can you spot the snail and the hedgehogs?)
Jenny Haysom of the Friends of the Sunnyside Library is quick to point out that both paintings, though commissioned, "were essentially donations at the prices the artists asked".
About the Artist
Crystal Beshara is an award-winning Ottawa artist and illustrator. A self-taught realist artist, she has been drawing and painting since childhood. Shortly after graduating with her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), she became the youngest elected Fellow of The Ottawa Watercolour Society. She works in watercolour, graphite, oil, and pastel and has been selected for many corporate commissions including the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Canadian Museum of Civilization. In 2007 she was nominated as one of Ottawa’s Best Emerging Artists and elected into the esteemed International Guild of Realism. In 2009 her first written and illustrated children’s book, "When I Visit the Farm" (Lobster Press), was released internationally.
In 2010 Crystal proudly acknowledges the support of her first Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Bursary. This international grant is awarded to artists working specifically in realism. A familiar face in the media both as an illustrator and fine artist, Crystal has been a regular guest art instructor on a variety of television and radio programs. Crystal has recently been accepted into the Diploma program for the Society of Botanical Artists in the UK. Contact Crystal directly to inquire about private commissions or taking an art class at: www.crystalbeshara.com.