Women to Love and Collect: International Women’s Day

I recently saw a question posted to X (Twitter) from the National Gallery of Canada asking the question, can you name five women artists? I thought to myself, absolutely! Who couldn’t, but then I remember I am an Artist, so it should be easier for me than a non-artist. I have written about my favourite historical women painters, and I could write about many more, in Canada and beyond. On this International Women’s Day I am looking at five of my favourite contemporary women artists, from Canada. These women make art I would gladly exhibit mine alongside.

When I take a deep dive and think about which female Canadian painters we will be talking about twenty years from now, my list is short, and I am not sure if this is because there is a lack of representation in commercial galleries in Canada, or if it is because there are so few very strong voices amongst the contemporary women painters in Canada today. In any case the following five female painters are significant, offering strong contributions to contemporary Canadian Art, that will be heard for generations to come. Here are five female Canadian painters to love on International Women’s Day and beyond.

LAURIE PAPOU, British Columbia – I first became aware of Laurie Papou’s figurative paintings during an exhibition of a body of work titled, ‘A Group of Seven’ which presented the artist fully nude alongside her partner in various poses and locations in nature. It was quite the statement the artist was making about our forests, clearcutting and herself as a female artist in a male dominated profession. The ultimate self-portrait series. She is an artist, a warrior and a nature lover.

JANICE INISKIM-AKI TANTON, Alberta – I remember standing in the Glenbow museum, I think it was 2013, I turned a corner and walked into a room that held this immense painting, a comment on being Canadian, from an Indigenous perspective. The painting titled ‘Undercurrents’, featured a canoe hovering above a lake, on this red canoe were 9 people. Children with a Hudson’s Bay blanket, a lumberjack or fisherman in plaid jacket, a construction worker, a hockey player, a young woman in a Christian wedding dress and another seated below. At the helm, a Blackfoot chief. A beautiful figurative painting filled with symbolism and narrative.

CAROL WAINIO, Ontario – It may have been 2007 and I was standing inside Trepanier Baer gallery in Calgary. On view was an immense Carol Wainio painting. A somewhat dreamy and dirty landscape, with limited contrast and mostly muted pastels, garbage and pop culture strewn around a landscape that made me think of landfills. Repetitious short strokes and earthy tones. I was captivated by the underlying narrative that you had to search for to find. Weaving a story using abstraction and flatness, I kept trying to find the light in this murky ferrytale. It was unlike any painting I had ever seen before. I was captivated.

JENN MANN, Ontario – figurative, pop culture, self-portaits and candy colors – I was at the 2016 Toronto Art Fair when I first laid eyes on Mann’s paintings in person. They were candy coated goodness, with warrior heart. Pop culture masterpieces that glowed of pink and veils of light. I wanted to lick these paintings and find out how they tasted. A young artist with much to say, and I was listening. Mann captures youthful passion and enthusiasm and screams, ‘I’m Here to Steal Your Soul’.

DEE BARSY, Manitoba – I see so many things in this Indigenous Winnipeg artists work. I see Janvier, Bush and automobile decals. Her paintings are graphically pleasing and her designs executed precisely. Her signature teal backgrounds are distinctive and brand her work immediately. I sometimes see patterns for future beadwork in her compositions. She is a young Canadian Artist on the rise, and the stars aren’t the limit. Can’t wait to see where her work takes her next.

So head out in the world to your local art galleries and museums and find some women artists to love, and share what you love with your friends. Word of mouth is still the best way to discover new artists to love, collect and share with the next generation. Here are few more women painters to know right now.

March 7, 2024

CANCON Painting Canada

Canadian Paintings

CANCON on and on – Painting Canada

For over a decade, my passion for exploring the vast and diverse landscapes of Canada has fueled my journey as a Canadian Artist. Born and residing on the secluded Vancouver Island, I’ve embarked on a quest to capture the essence of my homeland through the lens of my paintings. In this blog post, I have put together a small curated selection of artworks spanning nearly 15 years, 8 provinces and one Territory. Offering a visual storyteller’s perspective on Canada, from the Atlantic shores of Newfoundland to the northern reaches of the Northwest Territories. I am painting Canada.

The Vancouver Island Biosphere:

Living on Vancouver Island, a jewel on the extreme west coast, I’ve often felt the unique disconnect from the stereotypical Canadian icons. Our island biosphere operates under the unofficial motto, ‘keep it quiet,’ with many locals cherishing the desire to preserve its untouched beauty. While I understand this sentiment, I’ve chosen to share the untold stories of this hidden gem through my art.

Painting by Brandy Saturley for private Vancouver Island residence.

A Collection of Canadian Stories:

In this blog post, I want to briefly touch on a collection of paintings, each telling a story of a specific region within Canada. From the rugged terrain of Newfoundland to the political and cultural heartbeat in Ottawa, my paintings capture the diverse essence of this vast country.

Brandy Saturley in Brandon, Manitoba – 2020

Journey Through the Brushstrokes: CANCON Painting Canada

Newfoundland: An artistic expression of ‘The Rock,’ with its geological wonders, ferocious oceans, and iconic lighthouses guiding cod fishermen.

Painting of Cape Bonavista – The Rock and Roll – 2023

Ottawa: Canada’s capital, a picturesque city on a canal, and the epicenter of political culture.

Painting of CWAC soldier against Canada and British flags – A Remembrance Day Painting 2014

Quebec: A deep dive into the historical significance of its culture and art scene, the heart of hockey, poutine, and maple syrup.

Painting about Ice skating on an outdoor pond in Montreal – 2023

Ontario: The bustling ‘Big Smoke,’ home to the Hockey Hall of Fame, a cultural melting pot, the Great Lakes, and the financial center of the country.

Painting of hockey players ascending the Stanley Cup – 2015

Manitoba: A place of grit and community, known as the center of the country, with wheat kings, pond hockey, and a thriving artistic community.

A painting about Pond Hockey on Lake Winnipeg – 2021

Saskatchewan: The true prairies, a vast expanse of flatlands and farms, where the beauty of canola fields dances with the summer sky.

A painting of a rustic barn in the Saskatchewan prairies – 2020

Alberta: Home to oil, cowboys, and the majestic Rocky Mountains, where hospitality is as abundant as the breathtaking landscapes.

Canoeing at Sunset in Vermillion Lakes – Banff, Alberta – 2022

British Columbia: A haven of trees, sea-to-sky hikes, and warm temperatures, showcasing our commitment to the environment and the well-being of our four-legged friends.

A woman wearing a hat upholding a canoe in front of the ocean – 2016

Northern Territories: A land of the Northern Lights, life on the edge of the Arctic Circle, and a community fiercely independent yet tightly knit in the face of challenging weather.

Painting of a polar bear resting in front of a building in Yellowknife – 2023

Looking Ahead – The Continuing Journey

As I continue to paint Canada, my journey unfolds, and new destinations entice. The Yukon with it’s wild nature and Churchill, with their polar bears, await my artist eyes, while the Maritimes beckon as the next frontier in my evolving obsession with Canada. Join me as I delve deeper into the collective consciousness of this extraordinary country, capturing its soul one brushstroke at a time.

See more original paintings by Brandy Saturley here.

December 22, 2023

Tale of Two Ukrainian Artists

Canadian Paintings

A Tale of Two Ukrainian Artists: William Kurelek and Brandy Saturley

Art has the power to capture culture, history, and personal narratives in vibrant and captivating ways. In the realm of Ukrainian Canadian art, two remarkable painters have emerged with their unique styles and perspectives: William Kurelek and Brandy Saturley. While both artists celebrate their Ukrainian heritage in different times, their approach to storytelling through art varies, resulting in distinct bodies of work. This is a Tale of Two Ukrainian Canadian Artists.

William Kurelek, a renowned Canadian artist, was a masterful storyteller through his brushstrokes. Born in 1927 in Alberta, Canada, Kurelek’s art captured the essence of his rural upbringing and explored themes of faith, identity, and the human condition. His vivid and detailed paintings, often depicting prairies, farms, and landscapes, conveyed a deep connection to his Ukrainian heritage. Kurelek’s art not only showcased his technical prowess but also delved into his personal struggles with mental health, making his work deeply introspective and emotionally evocative. With a unique blend of realism and imagination, Kurelek’s legacy continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts across the globe.

The Rock, 1962, by William Kurelek

Brandy Saturley, a Canadian artist known for her vibrant and captivating paintings, effortlessly blends the realms of realism and pop culture in her art. Born in 1972 in British Columbia, Canada, her passion for painting began at a young age, and she has since become a prominent figure in the Canadian art scene. Saturley’s unique style combines bold colors, intricate details, and a touch of whimsy, resulting in visually stunning pieces that captivate the viewer’s imagination. With her distinct ability to capture the essence of Canadian identity and culture, Brandy Saturley’s art has garnered international recognition, solidifying her status as one of Canada’s top contemporary artists.

In this blog post, we will explore and compare the paintings of these two Ukrainian Canadian artists, William Kurelek and Brandy Saturley.

Reminiscence of Youth, 1968 by William Kurelek

Cultural Themes and Imagery: One of the primary commonalities between Kurelek and Saturley lies in their exploration of Ukrainian culture and heritage. Kurelek’s works often depict scenes from Ukrainian village life, religious traditions, and historical events. His paintings delve into the deep-rooted traditions and customs, invoking nostalgia and a sense of community.

On the other hand, Saturley’s paintings incorporate contemporary Ukrainian motifs with a fresh and modern twist. Her works feature bold, vibrant colors and strong female figures adorned in Ukrainian traditional attire. Saturley seamlessly merges cultural symbols with contemporary themes, presenting a unique interpretation of Ukrainian identity in the modern world.

Ukraine Strong, self-portrait, 2022, Brandy Saturley

Narrative and Storytelling: Both Kurelek and Saturley are storytellers, but their methods differ significantly. Kurelek’s paintings often tell deeply personal stories, drawing from his own experiences and struggles. His introspective approach invites viewers to delve into the emotional depths of his narratives, addressing themes of spirituality, mental health, and immigrant experiences. Kurelek’s works are often detailed and meticulously crafted, inviting viewers to unravel the layers of meaning within each piece.

In contrast, Saturley’s narratives are more open-ended and leave room for interpretation. Her paintings possess a dreamlike quality, with subjects engaged in ambiguous activities or situated in surreal environments. By intentionally leaving certain aspects unresolved, Saturley allows viewers to construct their own stories and connect with the art on a personal level.

After the Big Blow, 1974, William Kurelek

Artistic Techniques and Style: Kurelek’s paintings showcase his remarkable technical skill and meticulous attention to detail. He employed a realistic style, using precise brushwork and capturing intricate textures and lighting. Kurelek’s use of earthy tones and a subdued color palette contributes to the nostalgic and contemplative atmosphere of his works.

Conversely, Saturley’s style is characterized by bold, expressive brushwork and vibrant colors. Her paintings feature a combination of realism and abstraction, creating a dynamic tension that energizes her compositions. Saturley’s use of vivid hues and gestural brushstrokes adds a sense of vitality and movement to her art.

Pond Hockey Days, 2021, Brandy Saturley

Conclusion: While both William Kurelek and Brandy Saturley celebrate their Ukrainian heritage through their art, their approaches differ significantly. Kurelek’s introspective narratives and attention to detail transport viewers to a bygone era, while Saturley’s contemporary interpretations and dreamlike compositions offer a fresh perspective on Ukrainian identity. Regardless of their differences, both artists contribute to the rich tapestry of Ukrainian Canadian art, inviting audiences to explore their cultural roots and connect with the universal human experience through the power of visual storytelling.

Dochka Rising, 2023, Brandy Saturley

Tale of Two Ukrainian Artists

More paintings by Brandy Saturley that show influence of Ukrainian-Canadian heritage and her distinctive style of visual storytelling.

Spirit of Ukraine, 2023, Brandy Saturley

Perogies in the Wind, 2013, Brandy Saturley

Pysanky Puck: rubber hockey puck, paper, wood and acrylic paint, 2013.

My Ukrainian Idol, 2011, Brandy Saturley

Mother and Child, 2009, Brandy Saturley

May 8, 2023

Top 10 Canadian Painters

Canadian Paintings

Top 10 Canadian Painters to follow on Instagram

Canada is home to a vibrant and diverse arts scene, and social media platforms like Instagram have given top Canadian painters a platform to showcase their work to a global audience. Instagram has become a powerhouse platform for discovering new artists from all over the world. It provides a unique space where artists can showcase their work and connect with a global audience of art lovers, collectors, and enthusiasts.

Compositional Study for They Walk Softly on This Earth 2022 Acrylic on Canvas 24″ x 36″ Kent Monkman

Instagram’s visual nature is perfect for showcasing artwork. Artists can share images of their work, behind-the-scenes shots of their creative process, and even videos of their work in progress. This provides viewers with an immersive experience that allows them to appreciate the artwork in a way that wouldn’t be possible through other mediums. The social nature of this visual platform allows for direct connections between artists and their audiences. This allows artists to build a community of fans and supporters, and it also allows audiences to engage with artists and their work on a personal level. This creates a sense of intimacy and connection that can be hard to achieve through other platforms.

Victoria BC based artist, Brandy Saturley, in her studio.

Here are 10 of the top Canadian painters to follow on Instagram;

Kent Monkman – This Toronto-based artist explores themes of Indigenous identity, sexuality, and colonialism in his bold and provocative paintings.
Tim Okamura – This New York-based artist explores themes of race, identity, and representation in his powerful and expressive portraits.
Kim Dorland – A Toronto-based artist known for his textured and expressive paintings of Canadian landscapes and urban scenes.
David McLeod – A digital artist and painter whose bold and vibrant works explore the intersection of technology and nature.
Brandy Saturley – Based in Victoria, BC, Saturley’s pop art style paintings capture the beauty and diversity of Canada’s landscapes and people.
Peter Doig – A Scottish-born painter who has spent much of his career in Canada, Doig’s dreamlike and atmospheric paintings capture the beauty and mystery of Canadian landscapes.
Jeremy Herndl – Victoria BC based Canadian painter focusing on the human relationship to place.
Jen Mann – Toronto, On based painter whos work mainly focuses on the idea of self in a post-internet world.
Andrew Valko – Winnipeg, MB based hyperrealist painter, drive-in movie scenes and conceptual nudes
Christie Belcourt – Following the tradition of Métis floral beadwork, Belcourt paints in dots and uses the subject matter as metaphors for human existence to relay a variety of meanings which include concerns for the environment, biodiversity, spirituality and awareness of Métis culture.

Christi Belcourt working in her studio, 2021

These are just a few of the many talented Canadian painters on Instagram. Whether you’re looking for landscapes, portraits, or abstract works, there’s sure to be an artist on this list who will inspire and delight you. So why not give them a follow and see what they’re up to?

May 4, 2023

Polar Bear Paintings

Canadian Paintings

My Top Ten – Polar Bear Paintings

Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) are magical creatures, loved by many. They are some of my favourite polar bear paintings. If you are in Canada, Manitoba is the place to go to see this largest land mammal, in the northern city of Churchill. Polar Bear symbolism and meaning varies amongst tribes. The Polar Bear teaches endurance and resourcefulness, a powerful and wise spirit animal. These white beauties often stir deep emotions in humans, especially now as their habitats are disappearing due to global warming. The Polar Bear is seen as a guiding spirit when facing dramatic life transitions, especially at the onset of a new path or major change in life. Seems timely as we are just coming through a challenging two years under the Covid pandemic and life as we know it is new again.

Here are my top ten paintings featuring this magnificent white beauty of Northern landscapes.

1. Face Off, 2011 Brandy Saturley

2. Polar Bear, 2015 Brandy Saturley

3. Lovers in A Polar Bear Time, 2021 Brandy Saturley

4. When Polar Bears Fly, 2020 Brandy Saturley

5. King of The Polar Bears, 2021 Brandy Saturley

6. Queen of The Polar Bears, 2021 Brandy Saturley

7. Balance, 2018 Brandy Saturley

8. A Handful of Polar Bear, 2021 Brandy Saturley

9. Wanderlust, 2022 Brandy Saturley

10. The Conversation, acrylic painting 2023, Brandy Saturley

Polar Bear Paintings draw attention to their changing habitats

Sea ice is as important to the Arctic ecosystem and the planet as it is to polar bears who rely on the ice to hunt, mate, travel and sometimes den. The main threat to these bears is sea ice land loss from climate warming. Internationally polar bears are listed as a vulnerable species and one that is being challenged to adapt quickly right now, worldwide. These bears can currently be found in five nations including Canada, US (Alaska), Russia, Greenland and Norway. My goal in painting these symbolic narratives about polar bears is to draw attention to their changing habitats and honour their beauty and resilience. The are special, magical creatures to observe and protect.

See more paintings about The Great White North here.

April 20, 2022

Paintings With Poppies

Canadian Paintings, Poppy Paintings

My Top Seven – Paintings With Poppies

Over the years I have created a number of paintings with red poppies featured in the piece. In Canada, Scotland and England, red poppies signify Remembrance Day and often conjure memories and thoughts of loved ones who served on this day. Poppies are also seen in the Rocky mountains in late Spring and early summer, one of many spring wildflowers you can spot from roadside and mountain trail vantage points. While big red poppies with black centres are the most beautiful and common, you can also see large pink, blue and white poppies strewn throughout wildflower fields. The most common poppy is a wild poppy of orange, seen all over western Canada in the spring and often along highways and city garden plots. I love poppies they are proud flowers, with very substantial stalks and centers, with the most delicate tissue like petals that are transparent at times when sunlight filters through. They do not last long, but they are significant and stunning flowers.

In addition to being a strikingly beautiful flower with medicinal properties, the poppy is a plant steeped in symbolism. From darker themes such as death and war to hopes of peace, luxurious living, and imagination, the poppy represents many aspects of the human experience. Poppies contain many opiates, including codeine, morphine, and thebaine. While these substances can, of course, be harmful when consumed outside of medicinal applications, they are also effective pain relief agents and can induce sleep while settling the nerves. While many people instinctively associate the red poppy with peace as well as death because hope for a peaceful future seems a natural response to the destruction of war, the reinforcement of the poppy’s symbolism of peace has gained traction in recent years. I often associate poppies with imagination and dreaming, for me the dreamy quality comes from a scene in the Wizard of Oz where Dorothy falls asleep in a filed of poppies. No matter your connection to this magical flower, you cannot deny it’s delicate beauty, no matter the shade. Here are seven paintings with poppies.

Poppies For Louise, 2011 Brandy Saturley

I’ll Carry That Weight, 2020 Brandy Saturley

Dreaming in The Colours of Eh, 2014 Brandy Saturley

A Cup for Louise, 2013 Brandy Saturley

Golden Ram, 2011 Brandy Saturley

Remember Us, 2014 Brandy Saturley

Freedom Canoe with Poppies, 2015 Brandy Saturley

Seven paintings featuring scarlett red poppies. All very symbolic paintings, they bring memories, reminders, joy and peace. These paintings tell imaginative stories using the symbol of the poppy.

Like these paintings? See more paintings by Canadian visual artist, Brandy Saturley.

April 19, 2022

11 Canoe Paintings

Canadian Paintings, Canoe Paintings

11 Canoe Paintings from Canada

What better way to explore the great outdoors in Canada than by canoe. These 11 canoe paintings express how synonymous canoes are with Canada. The most popular colour of canoe being ruby red, and sometimes green with interior of golden wood hulls and repetitious patterns. These canoes glisten in the sunshine and invite the viewer to take a paddle daily, without leaving the house or office. From glacial lakes, to famous river runs and even open seas, Canadians love their canoes.

Poppies for Louise – painting of red canoe with red poppies in the foreground, on Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta.

Sunrise Portage – two people on a grand portage carrying a red canoe named Love Me Tender

Freedom Canoe – a green canoe filled with red poppies called Freedom on the open sea on Remembrance Day

351 Steps – a Canadian outdoorsman takes a lunch break while his green canoe for exploring sits parked in the background

Complementary Canoes – two canoes of red and green with pop art outlines of reflections on the water

Canoe View – Overhead view of a wooden hulled canoe with Canadian flag paddle

Ride My Wake – a lone blonde paddler wearing HBC bikini bottoms, paddles across Lake Louise to the glacier

We Can Fit in My Canoe – an explorer holds her birch bark canoe in the air above her head, arms stretched wide

Vermillion Canoes – two red canoes at sunset on Vermillion Lakes with Mt. Rundle in the background

Golden Hour in the Heart of Canoeland – two red canoes sit anchored by a float in the heart of The Rockies

Imagine Canoe – a canoe named Imagine at Lake Louise

“Love many, trust a few, and always paddle your own canoe.” These 11 canoe paintings capture the love for canoeing in Canada, where the journey, not the arrival matters. Where happiness is finally leaving the shore and if there is magic on this planet it is contained within the glistening waters cut by your paddle. No matter the weather, you can enjoy the feeling daily, with one of these paintings on your wall. Find out how you can own one of these paintings today and improve your view for generations to come. See more beautiful canoe paintings here.

April 4, 2022

The Artist’s Process

Artist Process, Canadian Paintings

The Artist’s Process: from inception to creation, the process of making original fine art

Originally published May 15, 2017

Goalie’s Mask: red, white and Dryden, acrylic on canvas, 2011 on art shipping crates in the studio. Brandy Saturley, Canadian Painter

This is a big year for Canada and a big year for my art career. With one solo exhibition behind me and another on the horizon, I am preparing to share my stories of Canada on canvas hanging in the art galleries and in person. What inspires the art? What am I trying to convey with my paintings? Here I will share the intent behind a few of my most celebrated pieces, and how I feel about the job of the artist and that of the viewer, the Artist’s process.

Behind the Painting: Is Canada the Goalie of The World? During the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games the city was punctuated by Canadian stereotype and the air thick with smells of maple syrup pride. I came home from the experience with visions of red, maple leaves and hockey. All these experiences zipping across my temporal lobe. I have always loved the works of American painter, Georgia O’ Keeffe. She was known for painting animal skulls on the landscape and in 1931 created a painting featuring a cows skull on a blanket of red, white and blue. The piece represented the enduring American spirit. I began to think about this painting and it began to inspire my own comment on my country, referencing the enduring Canadian spirit. I came to rest on the image of a hockey goalie mask on the iconic Canadian flag. To me, the goalie mask speaks of us standing guard, it is a symbol of resilience and protection. In most cases a masked human, taking the shots and not shooting back, the goalie plays the role of protector and watcher, much like a mother grizzly over her cubs. This painting was the beginning of this body of work, my ‘Canadianisms’, and set me on a journey of realizing the Canadian spirit on canvas.

Saint Kanata, acrylic on canvas, 2011 – Brandy Saturley, Canadian Painter

Behind the Painting: An #ICONICCANUCK

#ICONICCANUCK was the title of my first exhibition of these paintings, as my ‘Canadianisms’ referenced so many icons of Canada, including the landscape and wildlife of the country. The first human icon I painted was, Shania Twain, a celebrated Canadian singer and songwriter and best-selling female country music artist of all time. ‘Saint Kanata’ references the strong and resilient Canadian spirit and the composition for the piece was inspired by the work of famous polish Art Deco painter, Tamara De Lempicka. Lempicka was the first woman artist to be a ‘glamour’ star.

Behind The Painting: With Our Hearts On Our Sleeves

Hearts On Our Sleeves, acrylic on canvas, 2016 – Brandy Saturley, Canadian Painter

‘Hearts On Our Sleeves’ has many influences, but I will begin with the initial intent. When I began thinking about creating this new self-portrait I had an image in my mind, that of ‘Rosie The Riveter’. An iconic war-time poster image, the image did not really hit it’s full stride until it inspired a social movement that increased the number of women in the workforce, and became a symbol of feminism. I wanted to paint a self-portrait for all, but also for Canadian women from all walks and in all professions. As I began painting I came to focus on the eyes and began to see the Mona Lisa on my subliminal horizon, a horizon influenced by the landscapes of Lawren Harris with muted tones and almost abstract forms. The heart on the sleeve quite literal in it’s placement and meaning. As with all art, ultimately what you see is based on your experience, so even though I began with an intent, it becomes your place now to bring your story to the finished piece.

During this half-decade I have found inspiration across the country and through the eyes and minds of the people I have connected with on my travels. We have talked about Canada, about what we love and the future of our great country, of reconciliation, of acceptance, of equality and of protecting the environment. We have talked about what we create and why we create. We have talked about ideas for future collaborations. On each journey I write daily, record video, and photos. Coming home each time to Vancouver Island filled with new ideas about Canada. From the most rural to the grandest; I am cultivating a visual language that is distinctly Canadian.

November 7, 2017