First Light

About First Light

Just before dawn as the sun is rising—that’s the moment Noreen Taylor captured in this
vibrantly coloured abstract painting. For Taylor this time is magical—that moment when night is ending and a new day is beginning. A deep orangey red mimics the sun’s rays, patches of pink and purple ‘sky’ appear to peek through the layers.

“I have no idea why I find this first light so thrilling, but I always do. Maybe it is the promise of a new day or maybe it is the sheer beauty of the world in those moments. Whatever it is, I am always moved by the experience, overwhelmed by the inexplicable power of a new day dawning.” Noreen Taylor

Born in 1947 and raised in Toronto, Noreen Taylor acquired both her B.Ed. and a M.A. in Art History at the University of Toronto. Taylor is a highly respected businesswoman, visual arts teacher and philanthropist who has helped shape art policy in the Toronto area. She has been a board member of several key arts organizations including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Gardiner Museum. Taylor chaired the McMichael Canadian Collection of Canadian Art and was the founding Artistic Director for the Claude Watson School for the Arts. Since the 1970’s she has exhibited in numerous solo, and group shows in Canada and the U.S. She has also contributed illustrations to several publications.