When she was still in high school, Myrtle-Anne Rempel knew she wanted art to be a big part of her life.

“I drew and sketched all the time,” she admits.

So while attending Fraser Valley College (now UFV) Rempel decided to study fine arts.

She was mentored by artist Mircho Jakobow for four years and says he put her on her current path.

“He taught me to really look at objects differently, to see the colour in everything.”

At that time, Rempel was painting with oils on canvas for enjoyment, and dabbling in interior design. Finally she had to decide between full-time art or full-time design work.

Art won.

Painting barns, seascapes and floral scenes was fine, but Rempel felt that something was missing.

“I wasn’t really expressing myself.”

She changed to watercolours and created more paintings, but things still weren’t right.

When she began to experiment more with an abstract style, things began to fall into place. She started to combine different media and her work became more fulfilling.

“Now, I have a plan when I start painting, but often lose myself – but that’s OK.”

She recently went through a red period, using lots of red shades – but says she’s almost out of that now.

That red period can easily be noticed in her latest exhibit – Passions in Abstract, which is taking place now at the Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford. The show runs until Nov. 1 and takes place in the Grotto and South Gallery.

In the past, Rempel has held shows in Abbotsford, but at her home.

“As soon as the gallery came, I was so excited to be able to exhibit in it.”

She compares the Reach to the kind of gallery you would find in New York.

“It’s great for Abbotsford.”

While she may have a show going on, that doesn’t keep Rempel from working. She says she does something to do with art each and every day.

“And I have three blank canvases ready to go. I know what I have in mind, but it’s hard to find the time.”

As for her abstract pieces, she understands that some people love that style while others don’t seem to get it. And either way is fine with Rempel.

“What I want my art to do is evoke a reaction. I’m looking for an emotional response.”