A legacy of watercolour

Times Contributor 

 

Carol Gordon is sharing her father’s love for watercolours with the Strathmore Community. His paintings are on display in the United Church lobby and will be sold through silent auction on Sept. 30.

“I think he would have liked that they go out to the community, rather than me keeping them all at home,” said Rostron.

Allan Rostron was born in the year 1904 in England, and his family moved to Manville Alberta in 1918. After graduating normal school, he moved to Camrose and taught in the small community of Thorsby. He was a teacher of art and literature. He married and had a family and moved several times until he retired. Retiring in 1971, he began painting for pleasure. His medium is watercolour and the subject is the scenery of Southern Alberta. He made various trips to the mountains and prairies. He would take photos and then create his art at home. 

“He would take an entire roll of clouds. My mom was very exasperated at times because there weren’t many family pictures, but a lot of scenery,” said Gordon.

Art was a passion for him. He also belonged to local art societies. Allan T. Rostron passed away in 1994. Gordon hopes her father’s legacy will bring joy to those who see the paintings and those who eventually own them.

Money from the sales of the paintings will go to charity. Anyone wishing to view or bid on the paintings can call Peggy McLean at 934-3197 or the church office at 934-3025.