Fact and fiction are what professional artist Heather Macdonald combines when she puts brush to canvas but, when it comes to the vibrancy of her palette, the overall effect is unmistakably Bermudian.

That is because when she left the Island at an early age to continue her higher education.

The move affected her greatly, the impact of which she says is still reflected in her paintings.

“The landscapes are based on actual places, but embellished in my mind,” she says.

“It is an interesting reflection that people often remember things in an exaggerated manner. In my case, the paintings became a combination of fact and fiction, creating a dreamlike effect.”

Miss Macdonald’s first solo exhibition since 2005 opens in the Elliot Gallery this evening and comprises approximately 32 oils, ranging in size from five inches by seven inches to about five feet by five feet.

“It has been a work-in-progress which has come together really well,” she says.

Of her chosen medium, the artist says she has been using oils for about ten years, and loves them because of their vibrancy; the purity of colour; the fact that “amazing” colours can be achieved by mixing them; and the ability to paint layer upon layer.

Although Miss Macdonald has been preparing for the current exhibition virtually since the last one closed, she admits that taking on the whole space at Elliot “has been a challenge” — but she is also excited that such a place exists.

“I love the old feel of the gallery. The walls show how old the building really is because of the different colours of paint showing through. I am really excited to have a show there because as a kid I wished there was a place such as Kaleidoscope (the Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation owns the gallery), which offers painting classes for kids and adults. As a young artist living in Bermuda I think it is very important to have a group which promotes art for all ages in the community,” she says.

Miss Macdonald also considers it appropriate that tonight’s opening occurs as Bermudians prepare to celebrate their heritage tomorrow, as all of her paintings are landscapes inspired by her Island home.

“Some are more abstract than others,” she says.

The official opening this evening is from 6 to 8 p.m., and all are welcome. It will end on June 11.

Meanwhile, the artist reveals she will be heading to St. Barth’s in the Caribbean this summer, where she has been invited to assist in running the gallery in the Eden Roc hotel and paint with the guests, in addition to painting on her own.