“Tales from the County” pays tribute to the region of Eastern Ontario in a series of expressive oil paintings and delicate watercolours. Crystal Beshara captures the spirit, stories, and serenity of the countryside, offering viewers a window into a world where time slows and nature reigns. From the kinetic energy of the musical ride or heavy-horse pull at the century old grounds of the Maxville Fair and Vankleek Hill Agricultural Fair to the tranquility of sheep basking in the golden light of an August day, each piece intimately illustrates the extraordinary beauty of everyday moments in the countryside.

Painting of a Belgian horse in harness.

“A well earned rest”

Growing up on a small hobby farm, Beshara draws from a rich inventory of inspiring imagery; weathered barns, endless fields of hay, looming storm clouds over endless summer fields, winding dirt roads that invite adventure and curiosity. Her artwork resonates with a profound sense of nostalgia for a disappearing way of life.

“My paintings are my way of preserving the simplicity and essence of rural living, a lifestyle that is slowly fading away, be it in the passing of time, natural disasters or innovations in modern day farming. Through my work, I strive to document this area and the inherent beauty it holds,” she says.

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