$3,400 · 'RAND HOUSE' -Large Original Watercolor Signed Deryk Houston 1981.

Here is an early original interpretive watercolour by Canadian listed artist Deryk Houston. We acquired this piece at an estate auction here in Victoria BC in July, 2006. We appreciated the attention to detail in the piece, as well as the warm colour scheme. The house reminded me of my Grandmother’s verandahed house in downtown Toronto. Also, I was intrigued by the artist's title, “Emily’s Place”, and wondered if there was some connection to artist, Emily Carr, one of the Canadian Group of Seven. I contacted Deryk Houston via email, and asked him about the title. Part of his response is shown below: "Yes..... (it's) the one I thought it would be after having ruled out Emily Carr’s house here in Victoria. The house is a real house in Vancouver in Shawnessy (sic). The surroundings are totally made up....I felt like I wanted to keep the image simple. I did put in the north shore mountains. I was in the early stages of my life when I did this piece......still not completely sure what it was that I wanted to paint but knowing that I had the urge to paint and to do nothing else.. Looking back on it.....I can see that it still deals with family and home.....security” Research indicates that this piece is a detailed rendering of Rand House - a well-known heritage property at the corner of Bute & Nelson Streets in Vancouver. The exact address is 995 Bute St. Rand House underwent a huge renovation and rejuvenation in 2007, and was featured in Homes & Living Magazine. It is now four separate living units, with a fabulous glassed dome and rooftop deck. Built in 1896, Rand House is one of the oldest remaining houses in Vancouver’s West End, and is well-regarded for its fabulous annual Christmas light display. There is more to add to the provenance of the piece, as well as the artist’s evaluation, which will be passed along to the purchaser. The painting is large, measuring 24” X 16”; the frame is 30” X 20”. Condition is excellent. Please call 250 658-0587 to arrange a viewing.