Jeffrey Boron and Linny Vine complement each other quite nicely.

As painters and partners, their work is similar in nature: they both paint landscapes, drawing from Vancouver Island’s wealth of natural inspiration.

While Boron is slightly more grounded in construction and form, much like his personality, Vine loves to splash her paintings with slightly unrealistic colours. Their work still tends to influence each other, such that Boron’s paintings sometimes have a dreamy Vine aspect to them – Vine often gives her work structure and proper form.

The two will be put this juxtaposition on display for their second annual duo show titled Shadow & Light II at the Morris Gallery, running now until Nov. 22.

Boron, an Ontario native, met Vine who is originally from Saskatchewan, but grew up in Vancouver, some 14 years ago at the West Bay Marina in Esquimalt.

The rest, they say, is history, but it’s only been about four years since the two of them both decided to pursue full-time careers as professional painters.

“I’ve always painted and the inspiration that this environment has brought to my life just pushed me into doing it,” said Boron, who has a background in graphic arts.

Vine, who has worked as a goldsmith, in garden design and commercial photography, said a lot of people say something along the same lines when comparing their work.

“One of the things that people note is that Jeffrey is really good with light. He sees light whereas I see colour,” she said. “I’m drawn to colour, he’s drawn to light. And the drama of shadow, I guess we both could say we’re drawn to that.”

“A statement that’s often used to describe our work and often separate us too, is that I paint landscapes and Linny paints dreamscapes,” added Boron.

Since they started taking painting above a passionate hobby, the two have each built up a substantial portfolio. Vine recently had a few paintings featured in an Art Gallery of Greater Victoria group show and has also shown her work in the Sidney Fine Art Show since 2005.

Some of Boron’s work was also included in the Art Gallery show, and he has been a regular at local galleries and events such as the Moss-Street Paint-In and the Sidney Fine Art Show.

The couple’s painting resumes are strikingly similar – to be expected when artists are so closely involved with one another.

When I ask whether they critique each other’s work or offer feedback, it’s easy to see they work relatively well side-by-side on separate projects, albeit the usual challenges

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faced by most couples, be they personal or professional.

“Most times it’s helpful,” said Vine. “Every now and then we critique each other’s work and the other one might not like what the other one says, but it’s always positive. It definitely gives us strength.”

“It’s a grand opportunity to have someone that you’re directly involved with (nearby) as you work,” added Boron. “(Someone who) is able to help you sound out things during the process.”

Asked why they primarily paint landscapes as opposed to other subjects, their responses once again seem to mirror each other, even if slightly different in tone.

“It’s just something that I’ve naturally gravitated to all along,” said Boron. “It’s just something that intrigues me, and it’s something that I love to draw attention to.”

“Just the natural beauty of it, really,” adds Vine, “how everyday things can look so beautiful. It’s nice to be able to stop and look at them and appreciate them.”

*Shadow & Light II* continues at the Morris Gallery, 102-428 Burnside Rd. E. until Nov. 22. For more information about the show call 250-388-6652 or go online to http://www.linnydvine.com or http://www.jeffreyboron.com.

patrickb@vicnews.com