Five Paintings About Canadian Wildlife

Wildlife paintings are something Canadian artists are known for—perhaps because we’re surrounded by such a vast, wild, and beautiful land. With an abundance of subject matter, from the coasts to the Rockies, tundra to dense forest, it’s no surprise that Canadian painters often turn their gaze toward the creatures that roam this country. These animals aren’t just part of the scenery—they’re part of our collective story and national identity.

Over the years, I’ve created a number of paintings where Canadian wildlife takes centre stage. From the stoic elk to the playful polar bear, and of course, the mighty moose—these animals become protagonists in visual narratives inspired by my experiences travelling across Canada. Each one holds symbolic meaning, reflecting the character of the land they inhabit.

In my approach to painting wildlife, I tend to focus on a single animal at a time—giving it space to breathe and speak. I paint these animals in a pop modernist style, using bold lines, high contrast, and vibrant colours. The backgrounds are anything but traditional; they’re expressive environments—jungles of colour and energy, filled with abstract shapes, symbols, and sometimes unexpected elements. Think of them as dreamscapes or emotional landscapes that reflect the spirit of the animal.

What makes these paintings uniquely Canadian isn’t just the wildlife—it’s the mood, the symbolism, the energy of the land woven into every brushstroke. There’s a sense of wonder and reverence, but also playfulness and curiosity. I love isolating the animal, letting it command attention while letting the environment pulse and hum around it. These paintings are not just portraits of animals—they’re portraits of a nation’s wild soul.

Here are five Canadian wildlife paintings that embody this approach:

1. Modern Canadian Elk – The Elk

2. Polar Play – The Polar Bear

3. Elusive Mooseness – The Moose

4. Only The Blue Jay Knows– The Elk and Blue Jay

5.Canadian Subconscious – The Stag

These works are not just about representing Canadian animals—they are about celebrating the energy, stories, and spiritual presence of wildlife in Canadian life and imagination. They invite the viewer to pause, connect, and perhaps see these familiar creatures in a new light.

If one of these animals speaks to you, or you’re looking to bring a piece of Canada’s wild heart into your home or collection, I invite you to explore the full series on my website.