Don Gibbons: Treasurer and Artist

PAL Ottawa has benefitted from Don’s knowledge and expertise as the Treasurer for more than three years. He provides incredible support for the organization, and this year was certainly no exception. 

On November 4th, Don welcomed over 100 guests to Don’s Art Diversion Fundraiser at the residence of New Zealand’s High Commissioner. The evening featured live music from Ottawa’s jazz guitarist, Justin Duhaime, and on display were 45 paintings by Don. One of Don’s paintings titled ‘Gatineau Hills Ponds’, inspired by hidden ponds in the Gatineau Hills was raffled off. The lucky winner, Tony Prevost, was presented his prize by PAL Ottawa’s Chair, Leah Cogan, who happily addressed the crowd, informing them of PAL Ottawa’s mission and raison d’être. 

Through a silent auction, the evening sold 40 paintings, raising a whopping amount for PAL Ottawa - over $10,000! The support from Don and those who attended was outstanding - the evening was certainly a display of artists supporting artists!

Sarah White, Rosemary Jull, Elizabeth White, and Diana Bisset Ottawa musician, Justin Duhaime

Martin Harvey, High Commissioner of New Zealand Don giving words of welcome and thanks

Don Gibbons and Tony Prevost Leah Cogan, Chair of the Board for PAL Ottawa

While many people went home with a new painting (or two), many others graciously donated to PAL Ottawa. 

We are incredibly thankful to everyone involved and those who participated in Don’s Art Diversion Fundraiser!

About Don's Art Career:

Don Gibbons, creating a new work in Canada's wilderness

Don took up painting and drawing in 1979, when he was originally inspired and coached by his father-in-law, George “Poppy” Jull. 

His outdoor adventures of kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and cycling are the main inspirations for his watercolour paintings, which often depict the lush and varying landscapes of Canada. 

Don is always prepared for when inspiration strikes when on back-country adventures, as he carries a sketchbook and a simple watercolour set wherever he travels. He first starts his creations with simple sketches or watercolour work, followed by photos of the scenes. He then brings these sketches home to create bigger ‘impressionistic’ oil or watercolour paintings at his art studio on Hermitage Lake. 

For Don, art has given him the opportunity to experience and see the beauty of our outdoor world in a special way. It has also been an important ‘diversion’ from a busy and sometimes chaotic professional life, allowing him to restore and maintain balance in a creative way. 

Don is currently working on two large oil paintings of scenes of the Canadian Rockies, places where he has hiked with both family and friends over many years. These works are even more special, as they are wedding gifts for two of his daughters.