If you want to know whether spring's arrived in Muskoka, give John Murden a call. The Baysville-based watercolour and mixed media painter takes a keen interest in the four seasons, in particular spring. A resident of Muskoka for the past 15 years, this best selling artist has a tried and tested way of knowing when winter's decided to call it a day.

"I know spring's on its way when I can see our Muskoka chairs again," says Murden. "It's a sure sign that the winter's on its way out."

Not surprisingly, Murden has captured this first sign of spring in his artwork. One of his favourite paintings -- and also one of his best selling prints -- is called Spring Break, and depicts the backs of two bright red Muskoka chairs peeking out from under a heavy blanket of snow.

"I always feel a surge of excitement when I see our chairs for the first time each year," says Murden.

Murden is also well known for his beautiful watercolour paintings of Muskoka's grand ladies, the steamships that were once a common sight on Muskoka's lakes. Pay a visit to his online art gallery (www.murden.com) and you'll find magnificent renditions of these classic ships and the resorts they served brought to life by Murden's exciting use of colour and texture. 

"I love the water, the history and the beauty of Muskoka," says Murden. "These paintings of the steamships really capture the wonder of the region.  It's a romantic place, and the steamships and the classic resorts are all part of that romance."

For those who prefer to see Murden's work up close and personal, the artist has been busily preparing all winter for the various art shows and exhibitions taking place in Muskoka in 2002. You'll find his work on the Canada Day long weekend at Clevelands House, the Antique and Classic Boat Show in Gravenhurst on July13 and the Muskoka Arts and Crafts Show in Bracebridge from July 19 - 21. His Baysville studio is open year round by chance or appointment with normal hours of operation throughout the summer. Visitors are welcome to drop in during the Big Art Thing Tour on July 27 and 28, as well as the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour on September 28 and 29.

The John Murden Art Gallery is located on Highway 117, two kms west of Baysville and 14 kms east of Highway 11.

For further information contact: John Murden, 1002 Earth Park Road, Baysville, ON.  P0B 1A0, or telephone/fax 705-767-2578.