A Trinity in Newfoundland

Painting 15 in A Series about Newfoundland

We were up exploring around Cape Bonavista lighthouse, and by up I mean, above the Avalon Peninsula, where I was based out of during my month in Newfoundland. A three hour and forty minute drive each way, from Pouch Cove Foundation. On our way to the iconic lighthouse and town, I received a text from a friend. Make sure on your return trip you have lunch in Trinity, it’s a quaint little town that really has an old colonial Newfoundland feel. And this is where painting 15, in this series about Newfoundland began, on a lunch stop in a town called Trinity.

Looking down on Trinity, Newfoundland – October 2023, Brandy Saturley

Trinity, nestled along the picturesque Trinity Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador, boasts a rich historical background. Its quaint streets are adorned with a collection of architectural gems, each designated as a Registered Heritage Structure by the esteemed Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. The town’s harbor, a hub of maritime activity since the 16th century, witnessed the arrival of Portuguese explorer Gaspar Corte-Real on Trinity Sunday of 1501, bestowing upon the site its enduring name. By the 1570s, Trinity had already established itself as a vital summer outpost for fishermen from England’s West Country, drawn by the abundant riches of the migratory fishery. Beyond its maritime legacy, Trinity holds a place in medical history, serving as the pioneering ground for the introduction of the smallpox vaccine to the New World by John Clinch in 1798.

Unique architecture in Trinity, Newfoundland – October 2023, Brandy Saturley

When we arrived at Trinity it was a ghost town, being Autumn in Newfoundland many places are closing up for the Winter. The restaurant situation is hit and miss this time of year, with no regular hours really being kept in any place we have explored. Immediately I was drawn to the multitude of colourful buildings all situated on a quiet cove. A sparse landscape dotted with colour, the idyllic Newfoundland setting.

A ‘trinity’ of colourful homes in Newfoundland – October 2023, Brandy Saturley

As I was clicking through photos from my trip, I kept returning to the photo above of a ‘trifecta’ of buildings adorned in Easter hues. If I was only going to paint one visual story about this place, this grouping expresses the town in one photo. From the trio of buildings, a ‘trinity’ of it’s own to the unique heritage structures, to the English influence. It is all felt and said in this photo, with the rock and the grass, all I felt that was needed to complete this story was a woman searching for meaning in this historic little town.

Sketching out the underpainting on black gesso ground – Brandy Saturley 2024

For this painting I began with a black gesso ground, something I haven’t done before, and I NEVER use black. Black is something you must be careful with as it can become too graphic and too comic book, I have always veered away from it. I found that with this piece it offered a different way to tackle the plank siding. Rather than being heavy outlines it offers ‘peeks’ into darkness and ultimately was successful in this painting. It gives the painting a sketchbook feel, and I like this for telling the story of this piece. It felt like I was painting on a chalkboard!

Working the angles, a painting in progress. – Brandy Saturley 2024

A poem for the finished painting about Trinity, Newfoundland

Let her wander, fearless, beneath Newfoundland’s vast sky,
In her red toque and yellow slicker, love’s quest does not belie.
For amidst Trinity’s hues, where tales of old abide,
Her love may yet be waiting, in the ebb and flow of tides.

Trinity, 20×20 inches, acrylic and gouache on wood panel, 2024 Brandy Saturley

Learn more about this painting and see additional photo’s here. See all the Newfoundland Paintings here.

April 24, 2024

High on Canada Drive

Artist Process, New Paintings

High on Canada Drive – A Painting About Icebergs in Newfoundland

When I am working as an artist abroad, and on the road, I don’t drive. This leaves me with the opportunity to soak it all up and take notice of things around me, looking for the next opportunity to ditch the car and jump out for a few moments to capture something that catches my eye. I spend a great deal of time as the passenger, on the roads of this continuing journey of Art.

I have always been interested by this perspective, looking through a windshield that sometimes reflects the sunlight, takes on bug splatter, and various elements of weather as we drive across Canada. The photos and video I capture on these trips offering views from the rear view and sometimes a wiper gets caught in the frame. Even when I am captive in a long line of city traffic, there is something to shoot, even if it’s my Nikon on my lap, captured by my iPhone. I am always getting high on the energy of this drive across Canada.

Driving to Tors Cove, Newfoundland – October 2023

With my latest figurative landscape painting, I chose to focus on this perspective from the passenger seat. I found this photo on my iPhone that I took while stopped at an intersection in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. Naturally, being the Canadiana enthusiast I am, I had to take this photo of a sign called Canada Drive. As we waited what seemed like eternity at this intersection, my mind began to drift on the subject of Canada Drive, and then I heard a song come over the Sirius satellite radio.

“Lounging in the living room in long johns
More distant than Victoria to Saint John’s
Trying to use a record to repair my heart
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to start again, my friend

You’re leaving me high and Canada dry
I’m out of your head and I’m losing my mind
Listening to Neil is making me cry
You’re leaving me high and Canada dry.”

Canada Dry is a song by the Canadian Music Hall of Fame Barenaked Ladies, from the album, Fake Nudes. I’ve long been a fan of the Ladies, since their very first album, through their break up and re-launch into the world, when I felt like they were leaving us high and Canada Dry.

Brandy Saturley studio – April 2024

Coming home to Victoria, sitting in my studio with feet up and a few finished paintings about Newfoundland, I stared at a new wood panel ready to take on a story through use of acrylic and oil paints. It was April and my friends in Twillingate were hailing the arrival of iceberg season. With my Apple playlist set to the best of the Barenaked Ladies, these lyrics began to penetrate my mind and my eyes began to see the next painting. I saw beautiful glacial teal coloured bergs, against a complimentary orange/red sunset sky, with this street sign of Canada Drive. Rather than paint the entire traffic light I chose to focus on the red light, against this intersection with the icebergs towering high above the sign. While you would never likely see icebergs from this Newfoundland locale, it does offer pause about the climate and the Earth.

Detail view, High on Canada Drive, acrylic and oil on wood panel, 2024 Brandy Saturley

When the painting was finished and I was searching for the title, I was going to go with Canada Drive, for obvious reasons. But that just wasn’t right to me, and instead as I listened to ‘Canada Dry’ over and over I found the title. High on Canada Drive, referencing the height of the icebergs towering over the city, and also if you were to see icebergs from this vantage point, you may be high on life, a dream or some mind altering substance. Or perhaps you’re just an Artist making sense of the world.

High on Canada Drive, Oil and Acrylic on Wood Panel, 12 x 36 x 2 in, 2024, Brandy Saturley

More details and high resolution photos of the painting here.

April 22, 2024

Art Deco in Canada

Artist Process, New Paintings

A Painting About Newfoundland – Celebrating Art Deco in Canada

When I set out to explore and photograph St. John’s Newfoundland, I expected to find the vividly painted character homes on the iconic Jelly Bean Row and the Battery of the harbour. What I did not expect was to fall for a building that would transport me back to my days as a teenager when I would watch sockless Don Johnson in his white linen suits, on Miami Vice. As soon as I walked up to the side door of South Beach Residences, I could hear the sounds of Jan Hammer and feel the warmth and swaying palms of Miami, and then the cold Newfoundland wind knocked me back to reality. Art Deco in Canada is very much alive, and not just in Newfoundland.

South Beach Residences, side door – St. John’s Newfoundland 2023 – Brandy Saturley

What exactly is Art Deco? The Canadian Art Deco Society describes it as a 20^th century phenomenon that emerged during the period between the First and Second World Wars. It was a new style for a new modern era. Combining the affluence of materials with the artistic simplicity of specific design, the Art Deco style often focused on geometric forms composed primarily of angular elements, like highly stylized chevrons and zig-zags. Other characteristics of Art Deco include: sunbursts, sweeping curves, ziggurats (staggered or tiered pyramid shapes), a liberal use of sleek-looking material, as well as Egyptian influences and motifs focusing on birds and floral patterns. Recognized as a popular, non-revolutionary modernism, Art Deco was a self-conscious split from the past.

South Beach Residences, Newfoundland, Canada – Brandy Saturley 2023

When I was in Toronto delivering my goalie’s mask painting to the Canadian Olympic Committee Art of Sport event, I found myself at the old Maple Leaf Gardens building , which is now a Loblaws, amongst other things. Few may realize that one of Canada’s most celebrated sporting venues, Maple Leaf Gardens National Historic Site of Canada (below), is an example of Art Deco architecture. This Toronto landmark exhibits the style through its symmetrical yellow brick façade and dome with crowning lantern. Other prominent characteristics of Art Deco within the Gardens include its simple brickwork pattern, and use of metal along the building’s patterned window arrangement. Many of the original fittings, fixtures, fabric and design components relate to the Toronto Maple Leafs and survive to this day, contributing to the heritage value of the building which is now a rehabilitated building, housing a local grocery store and upper floor arena.

Maple Leaf Gardens – Brandy Saturley 2013

Painting South Beach Residences – Art Deco in Canada

As my work continues on this new series about my time exploring Newfoundland in late 2023, I am flipping back through moments, photographs and things that made an undeniable impression on my psyche. These things that draw my attention are the things that become part of my visual storytelling in their own way and in a time that means something to my work. When I found this photo I had taken and decided that this would be the subject matter for the next painting, I then began to delve deep into the history of this building holding my attention.

Brandy Saturley in studio, Victoria, Canada – 2024

Built Before Newfoundland Became Part of Canada
In the optimism which followed the end of WWII, local architect William J. Ryan designed and built the first Art Deco building in what was then the Dominion of Newfoundland. Completed in 1947, with a building envelope constructed with concrete, mixed and poured by hand, its distinctive and creative form stood in strong contrast to the local architectural vernacular. Over the years, South Beach became home to architects, a radio station, a bookstore, and an art gallery. Which brings us to today, and the six years it’s taken to restore and transform this exceptionally well engineered building into the modern Residences of South Beach.

It’s been a labour of love. Today, the iconic Art Deco landmark is known and loved far and wide. Pedestrians stop for selfies. Filmmakers and artists celebrate its design and colour palette. Morawetz included it in his ‘Art Deco Architecture Across Canada, by Tim Morawetz’. A captivating book showcasing more than 150 Canadian Art Deco buildings.

The Finished Painting – A Little Miami in Canada

A pop modernism style painting about an art Deco masterpiece. Painting visual stories of my travels across Canada.

I’ll Meet You in South Beach, Newfoundland – original acrylic painting on wood panel, 2024, Brandy Saturley

See more photos of the painting here.

Sources Consulted

Canadian Art Deco Society http://www.canadianartDecosociety.org/about.html
Canada’s Historic Places HistoricPlaces.ca – From the Supreme Court to “Puckingham Palace”: Art Deco in Canadian Culture
South Beach Residences South Beach Residences – St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

April 8, 2024

Painting Cape Spear Lighthouse

New Paintings

The Eastern-most Point in North America: Painting Cape Spear Lighthouse

It was my first week in Newfoundland and my plan for this first week in residence at the James Baird/Pouch Cove Foundation was to explore and soak up some iconic locations. The impressions I arrived with about this distinctive Canadian locale were as follows; fishermen, cod, Sou’Wester hats and lighthouses. I never set out to paint lighthouses before, even though I have visited a few on my west coast island home. This tells the story behind painting Cape Spear Lighthouse.

As we began our day, a drive down the coast of the Avalon peninsula, through St. John’s and up and over a hill hiding the eastern-most point on the coast of North America. As we came through the dense dwarf pines and juniper of Newfoundland a naked point appeared where the rock looked like dinosaurs and was colored iron oxide red. Cape Spear offers many things besides the tall angular white lighthouse. There are a few buildings that dot the landscape all dressed in whites with stripes and details of coast guard signal red.

Cape Spear Lighthouse and grounds, Newfoundland, Canada by Brandy Saturley on 500px.com

On this day the clouds and light were shifting quickly and dramatically, the scene changing from minute to minute. The wind on this day was hurricane force, it was a challenging climb up the side of the hill to the top and once there we really had to hold on or be blown out to sea! The historic happenings at this place are astounding, to say the least. On Canada’s most easterly point of land, the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador offers a glimpse into the lives of 19th century lighthouse keepers and their families. Marvel at icebergs, migrating whales, and hunting seabirds on this rough Atlantic coast.

Discovering Cape Spear: A Journey Through History

We began a journey through time as we unraveled the captivating history of Cape Spear, a region steeped in heritage and resilience. From its indigenous roots to its pivotal role in World War II and its iconic lighthouse, each chapter reveals a unique facet of this remarkable destination. Long before the arrival of European settlers, the Cape Spear region was home to the Beothuk peoples, who thrived amidst its rugged beauty. Their presence intertwined with that of the Mi’kmaq communities, whose nomadic lifestyle echoed through the land, leaving an indelible mark on its landscape. Venturing into the annals of time, we discover the origins of Cape Spear’s name—a testament to the resilience and optimism of the human spirit. From its Portuguese roots as “Cabo da Esperança” to its French adaptation as “Cap d’Espoir,” and finally, its anglicized rendition as “Cape Spear,” each iteration carries with it a tale of hope and endurance.

Guardians of the Sea: World War II

As the world plunged into the darkness of World War II, Cape Spear emerged as a strategic stronghold, guarding the entrance to St. John’s harbor. Canadian-manned gun batteries stood sentinel, their silent vigil a testament to the bravery of those who defended these shores. Today, remnants of this pivotal era stand as silent witnesses to history, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

Beacons of Light: Newfoundland Lighthouses

Perched majestically upon the rugged cliffs, the Cape Spear Lighthouse stands as a beacon of hope and guidance for seafarers navigating treacherous waters. With its origins tracing back to 1836, it holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. Step inside its hallowed halls, where echoes of the past reverberate, and discover the legacy of those who tended its light through the ages.

Preserving Heritage: A Legacy of Protection

In recognition of its historical significance, Cape Spear has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. The meticulous restoration of the original lighthouse and keeper’s residence transports visitors back to the bygone era of 1839, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who called this rugged coastline home. Wander through the halls of the visitor center, where tales of yore come alive amidst a treasure trove of memorabilia.

Navigating Nature’s Fury: Cautionary Tales

Amidst the breathtaking beauty of Cape Spear lies a reminder of nature’s untamed spirit. The mighty waves that crash against its cliffs, though mesmerizing, bear a solemn warning. Parks Canada’s vigilant efforts to safeguard visitors underscore the importance of heeding these cautionary signs, ensuring that all who tread upon these shores do so with reverence and respect.

Whether you seek adventure, enlightenment, or simply a moment of tranquility amidst nature’s grandeur, Cape Spear awaits, ready to unveil its secrets to those who dare to explore.

CapeSpear_NEW_10 by Brandy Saturley on 500px.com

The Work Behind The Painting: Cape Spear Lighthouse

As my process goes, it begins with my attention being drawn to something specific, in this case it was planning a day long excursion to Cape Spear. Then the exploration begins on foot with Nikon and iPhone in tow, documenting the day through photography and video. Hiking to the top of the point, hanging onto the white picket fence-line, letting the wind carry me along the the fence until I could sit in the Parks Canada red Adirondack chairs. Watching the light, shadows and clouds move and the scene change rapidly.

Having my hair catch in my mouth and blind me as I hiked along. Walking through the tunnels under the site and standing where the soldiers of WWII stood. Feeling the pounding waves shake the ground, mesmerized by the continuous metamorphosis of the white crest of the wave. Breathing in the salty air, touching the rock beneath my feet, sometimes sharp and sometimes smooth. Letting the sounds of the wind and waves block out all other sounds, the white noise of nature. Feeling the energy of the wind, it’s playful like a child dancing around you and screaming loudly. Thinking, it would be humorous to open an umbrella in a place such as this, with dreaming of it carrying me up in the air like Mary Poppins.

The wind dances here, the waves are like a dramatic conductor of an intense symphony and the sky and clouds like sheep being herded my dogs across a never-ending field. Returning back to my studio at Pouch Cove, sitting down to write. Then five months later finding myself back in that place at Cape Spear while looking through my photography and video. And now with this painting, number 11 in a series that continues to unfold here on the west coast of Canada in my Vancouver Island studio.

CapeSpear_NEW_3 by Brandy Saturley on 500px.com

The resulting painting finding a title, through my love of The Beatles music. With Wind and Without – a play on words from a Beatles tune and sentiment, ”life goes on within you and without you”.

With Wind and Without, 48×30, acrylic on canvas, 2024 – Brandy Saturley

See more about this painting, here.

March 25, 2024

Painting Dory Boats of Newfoundland

New Paintings

To Dory or Not to Dory: Painting the Timeless Charm of Newfoundland Dory Boats

In these two new acrylic paintings on wood panel I set out on a journey through time and tradition, delving into the captivating world of Newfoundland’s iconic dory boats. From their humble origins to their vibrant presence in Petty Harbour, these vessels have etched their place in maritime history and inspired generations of artists, including myself. I have been painting Dory Boats of Newfoundland.

Brandy Saturley in her North Saanich, Canada studio, 2024

Capturing the Essence:
As I explored the picturesque landscapes of Newfoundland, it was the allure of the dory boats that drew my attention. Whether it was their distinct form, adorned with striking hues, or their silent presence amidst bustling waterways and strewn across the land, these boats cast a spell on my soul. In these new paintings, I am telling visual stories of their essence on wood panel, weaving tales of Newfoundland’s maritime heritage.

Petty Harbour, Newfoundland – photo Brandy Saturley

Unraveling History:
While the true origins of the dory may be shrouded in mystery, the meticulous research of scholars like John Gardner has unveiled glimpses of its past. Dating back to 1719, the dory’s journey spans continents, yet its heart remains rooted in the fishing communities of North America. From the shores of Long Island to the rugged coastline of Newfoundland, these boats have been integral to the livelihoods of fishermen for centuries.

Petty Harbour, Newfoundland – photo Brandy Saturley

A Portrait of Petty Harbour:
Nestled along the eastern shores of the Avalon Peninsula lies Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, a quaint haven steeped in history. With its roots tracing back to the 1600s, this bustling fishing community has witnessed the ebb and flow of generations. Against a backdrop of rolling green hills and the vast expanse of Motion Bay, Petty Harbour stands as a testament to Newfoundland’s enduring spirit.

Motion Bay, Petty Harbour, Newfoundland – photo Brandy Saturley

Romanced by Tradition: Painting Dory Boats of Newfoundland

In my latest works, I pay homage to the timeless pull of Newfoundland’s dory boats, particularly those adorning the vibrant hues of yellow, green, white, and red. With each brushstroke, I aim to evoke the nostalgia and romance synonymous with these beloved vessels. From the glistening waters of Petty Harbour to the bustling towns, my paintings serve as visual love letters to the dories that grace Newfoundland’s shores.

In studio making a painting about two dory boats. – Brandy Saturley

A Dory for You and One for Me

A Dory for You and One for Me, Acrylic on wood panel , 24 x 18 x 1.5 in, (60.96 x 45.72 x 3.81 cm) – Brandy Saturley 2024

Downside Up

Downside Up Acrylic on wood panel 18 x 24 x 1.5 in (45.72 x 60.96 x 3.81 cm), Brandy Saturley 2024

As I reflect on my artistic journey through Newfoundland’s coastal wonders, one thing remains clear: the dory boats of Petty Harbour are more than just vessels; they are guardians of tradition, symbols of resilience, and timeless beacons of maritime charm. Through my art, I hope to preserve their legacy for generations to come, ensuring that their stories continue to inspire and enchant all who encounter them.

You can find more of my Newfoundland Paintings here.

March 8, 2024

Painting Love on The Rock

Artist Residency, New Paintings

Capturing Newfoundland’s Essence: ‘Love on The Rock’

It was an early October morning, I rolled out of bed in my loft at the Pouch Cove Foundation, and stumbled sleepy eyed down unfinished wooden stairs in my wool socks, trying not to lose footing and slide to the bottom. Today my plan was to make it to Cape Bonavista Newfoundland, a four hour drive each way in one day, all to see an iconic east coast lighthouse and town, two peninsula’s up from my Pouch Cove studio. The gift of rising extra early on this day was a glimpse of a sunrise, in the first place to see the sun in North America. With foggy mornings and ever changing Autumn skies, thanks to constant wind gusts, the light changes rapidly in this place, which is wonderful for an artist who paints and take photographs. It also means you have to work and move quickly, and use your eyes and intuition to capture what may be delivered in any given minute.

Sunrise in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland – photo Brandy Saturley

Fast-forward to right now, the month of Love, February. I have been going over my photography and writings of the trip, and finding what speaks to me visually and in my heart. As this series of paintings about Newfoundland continues to grow and evolve, I am finding myself recalling the romance of the wind, rain, cliffs, waves and light. I am connecting to the feeling of the place, even though I am home on the west coast. Every day I walked the town and parts of the East Coast Trail, often crossing back through the cove and sitting above the Cove letting the wind rip through me, returning to my studio with crimson face, the kind where if you put your hand on your cheek it leaves a temporary white imprint of your fingers. More than a few times I got caught in a rain storm as the skies shifted quickly, but I LOVED IT. I wanted to get soaked, cold, salty and tingle. It feels like a clean slate, a new adventure, a fresh perspective, and these are all things I came to Newfoundland for, developing something new in my work.

Heart shaped blue rock – Chance Cove, Newfoundland – photo Brandy Saturley

‘Love on The Rock’: a journey of discovery, of connection, and of love

With this new painting I find I am expressing all these things, in a figurative landscape that includes floating rocks, which is something I have painted 3 times now since I began developing this series. Of all the great things that commanded my attention when I was in Pouch Cove, rocks were the number one draw for me, the variety, the colours, the shapes and how each beach I visited had distinctly different selections and colours. The Rock of The Rock is REMARKABLE.

Constructing LOVE on the beach – Bell Island, Newfoundland – Brandy Saturley

This brings me to my new painting, titled ‘Love on The Rock’. For in the heart of Newfoundland’s wild embrace, amidst the silent symphony of rocks and waves, lies a love story waiting to be told—a story of love on The Rock.

Love on The Rock, Acrylic Painting On Canvas, 18 x 36 x 1.5 in, Brandy Saturley

February 21, 2024

Painting Newfoundland Vibrant Reds

New Paintings

Painting Newfoundland: Exploring the Vibrant Reds of Canada’s Atlantic Gem

Having penned numerous blog entries since my inspiring residency at the James Baird/Pouch Cove Foundation back in October 2023, I find myself revisiting the vibrant memories of my time in Newfoundland and Labrador. Amidst the rugged beauty and historical richness of this Atlantic province, one element consistently stands out: the vivid presence of the color red. It’s a hue that not only adorns the buildings and iron gates of old but also seems to embody the spirit of this unique corner of Canada. As I delve into the images and recollections from my journey, I’m struck by the prevalence of red, whether in its matte simplicity or glossy allure, gracing the architecture of places like Tors Cove and Brigus. I am painting Newfoundland and her vibrant reds.

Brandy Saturley at Cape Spear Lighthouse, Newfoundland and Labrador

The Historical Significance of Red in Newfoundland

The tale of red in Newfoundland dates back centuries, with a notable incident in 1610 when a container of red paint was accidentally spilled in Cupids Cove. Fast forward four hundred years, and archaeologists stumbled upon this spill, marking the earliest evidence of red ochre paint on a building in Newfoundland and Labrador. Beyond this accidental discovery, indigenous communities, particularly the Beothuk, had long embraced red ochre, utilizing it to adorn tools, garments, and even their bodies, imbuing it with spiritual meaning.

Photograph of red saltbox house at Tors Cove – Brandy Saturley

For generations, fishermen employed red ochre to coat their stages and stores, resulting in a spectrum of hues when mixed with natural oils—seal oil yielding a truer red, while fish oil produced a warmer, ruddy brown. These ochre paints, often thinned with turpentine or kerosene, evolved over time, with early 20th-century markets offering an array of shades under names like oxblood, carmine, vermillion, and rose pink.

The Artistic Significance of Red

Red isn’t merely a color; it’s a symbol steeped in history, from its earliest use in prehistoric art to its enduring presence in contemporary culture. Across civilizations, red has held multifaceted significance, often associated with love, joy, and good fortune. In art and textiles, its allure is undeniable, commanding attention with its warmth and vibrancy.

Photo of gate St. Georges Church, Brigus – Brandy Saturley

Understanding the Psychology of Red in Art

Delving deeper, the psychology of red unveils a range of emotions and associations. From love and desire to anger and aggression, red evokes powerful reactions. It symbolizes passion and warmth, yet also serves as a beacon of danger and intensity. Throughout history, red has been wielded as a tool for political and social expression, shaping movements and stirring emotions with its bold presence on canvas and in life. In capturing the essence of Newfoundland, one cannot overlook the significance of red—both in its historical roots and its artistic resonance. It’s a color that transcends mere pigment, weaving a narrative of culture, tradition, and the indomitable spirit of Canada’s Atlantic province.

Two New Paintings: Loving Newfoundland Vibrant Reds

The Little Red Saltbox of Tors Cove

Little Red Saltbox Acrylic painting 18 x 24 x 2 in Brandy Saturley

Nestled in the rugged arms of Newfoundland’s embrace,
This little red saltbox, a symbol of grace.
Amidst the craggy cliffs and wild, rolling sea,
It stands as a testament to resilience and glee.

The little red saltbox house at Tors Cove, Newfoundland, is an iconic location and much photographed home.
I met this little house at the end of a long day as the sun was coming down in the Fall of 2023. It was the perfect day!

The red clover iron gate of Old St. Georges Church in Brigus

Strawberry Clover Acrylic painting 18 x 24 x 2 in Brandy Saturley

In Brigus town where tales unfold,
Stands a church with secrets untold,
Its gate of strawberry clover’s bloom,
A sacred space, where love finds room.

Beneath the arch of crimson hue,
I met my love, my heart anew,
Amongst the grass of vibrant green,
A fateful meeting, yet unseen.

Old St. George’s Church, Brigus, Newfoundland – I was romanced by her during my 2023 residency at Pouch Cove, she held my attention long enough to become a painting.

Chair of Contemplation photo – Brandy Saturley in her Vancouver Island studio.

February 9, 2024

Painting Quidi Vidi Newfoundland

Artist Process, New Paintings

A Place Called Quidi Vidi – Painting Newfoundland

With Newfoundland still fresh in my thoughts, I’ve been revisiting the images captured during my inspiring month at Pouch Cove Foundation. While I usually refrain from translating photographs into full-fledged paintings, there was something captivating about my first weekend in Newfoundland, particularly our visit to the enchanting Quidi Vidi Brewery nestled in the equally charming neighborhood of Quidi Vidi. This painting inspired by Quidi Vidi Newfoundland is an ode to a place I now hold dear.

Quidi Vidi Harbour Newfoundland – photo: Brandy Saturley

Pronunciations of “Quidi Vidi” vary among the locals, with “Kiddy Vidi” being the most common rendition. One delightful theory suggests that the name originated from a beloved cat named Vidi. Situated adjacent to Quidi Vidi Lake, where the Royal St. John’s Regatta takes place every first Wednesday in August (weather permitting), the village is graced by the renowned “Gut” harbor and houses the Quidi Vidi Battery Provincial Historic Site, along with various small businesses.

Quidi Vidi Newfoundland – photo: Brandy Saturley

Despite the limited time I had to explore this distinctive fishing village, I couldn’t help but absorb the humor and pride permeating the air. The photograph I took encapsulates much of what I felt about Quidi Vidi—its uniqueness, charm, and a touch of disheveled authenticity.

Translating this sentiment into a painting became a personal mission. I took my photograph and honed in on simplifying its elements, unveiling the story embedded within. The result is a vibrant portrayal, rendered in oils, acrylics, and neon gouache on a beautiful wood panel. The choice of materials aimed to replicate the lively palette of painted wood structures and boats that define the visual tapestry of Newfoundland.

In essence, my painting seeks to encapsulate Quidi Vidi not just as a picturesque locale but as a living art installation, a testament to the rich culture of Newfoundland. The colors, the textures, and the subtle chaos of the village come together to create a piece that mirrors the essence of this captivating corner of the world.

Quidi on the Vidi – Oil and Acrylic on Wood Panel 24 x 18 x 1.5 in 2024, Brandy Saturley

You can find more details about this painting here.

January 18, 2024

Significance of Art

New Paintings

Capturing the Zeitgeist: The Significance of Art in Today’s World

In a world pulsating with the rhythms of life, artists emerge as living diving rods—super-sensitive beings attuned to the currents of nature and the symphony of their surroundings. Like sponges, we absorb the essence of our existence, wringing it out through our chosen mediums. For me, creating art is a reflection of my daily journey as a human on this vast canvas we call Earth. It’s a testament to the times we live in—a visual dialogue with the world. Art holds profound significance in today’s world.

Last year, my creative journey manifested in over twenty new original paintings, predominantly sprawling canvases that bore witness to my travels across Canada and reflections on the global landscape. Amidst the chaos, I felt an overwhelming need to embrace the world with a metaphorical hug, and so my art became the conduit for that embrace. I don’t dictate what I paint; I let the creative currents guide me. While I don’t create studies, I delve into my digital catalogue, a treasure trove of captured imagery from my experiences, reworking them into blueprints for future visual stories on canvas.

My artistic journey encompasses a spectrum of mediums—painting, drawing, photography, digital video, and performance. While the paintings stand as the final products, every facet of my creative process becomes art in itself. It’s a holistic approach, where the act of creation becomes as significant as the creation itself.

In 2023, my focus centered on my home studio in Vancouver Island, where I continued my exploration of the polar bear king’s journey. However, the world beckoned my attention to the unfolding events in Ukraine and the devastating fires in Yellowknife, NWT, and Lahaina, Hawaii. From Banff, Alberta, where I delivered my polar bear king paintings to Willock & Sax, to an artist residency in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, my year unfolded as a canvas of diverse experiences.

The culmination of 2023 saw me crafting paintings inspired by Newfoundland, celebrating the indomitable spirit of its people and echoing the resilience of individuals worldwide fighting noble battles. Experimenting with the juxtaposition of oil paint and acrylics, a departure from my usual acrylics and gouache, these two final paintings of the year became vivid pop art expressions of determination.

As we step into 2024, these paintings stand as a sign of the times, capturing the zeitgeist and heralding a new chapter in my artistic journey. Each stroke, each color, is a brushstroke in the grand blueprint of our shared human experience—a visual testimony to the spirit that defines us in this ever-evolving world.

IDOM – 24×18 inches, oil and acrylic on wood panel, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

Portrait of the indomitable Canadian spirit. A woman wrapped in a scarlet red point blanket against a backdrop of Rocky Mountains. Pop art influences and Canadian symbolism throughout.

Rage On – 24×18 inches, oil and acrylic on wood panel, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

Rage on and rage against the dying of the light. A symbolic painting of a fist rising from a mountainous landscape. Wrist wrapped in a multicolor fabric scarf, the sun and starry blue sky behind. Oil and acrylic on wood panel.

Discover more original paintings by contemporary Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley.

January 3, 2024

Newfoundland Paintings

Artist Residency, New Paintings

Adventures in Newfoundland: A Journey through Three Paintings

Embarking on an art residency in Newfoundland, I found myself immersed in a landscape and culture vastly different from my westernmost home on Vancouver Island. In the heart of Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, invited by the Pouch Cove Foundation and James Baird Gallery, I embraced the rugged beauty of this remote hamlet on the East Coast Trail. Culminating in three paintings about Newfoundland.

Pouch Cove, Newfoundland panorama by Brandy Saturley

Exploring Newfoundland’s Unique Landscape: Three Paintings

Throughout October 2023, my days were filled with hikes, encounters with cod, and the creation of art inspired by the unique character of ‘The Rock.’ The resulting paintings, born from acrylic paint and gouache, reflect the island’s towering geography, the iconic Sou’Wester hats of cod fishermen, the Cape Bonavista lighthouse, vibrantly colored fishermen sheds, the dynamic ocean, seagulls, and the ever-changing light of the expansive skies.

Pouch Cove Foundation, studio G, Brandy Saturley

Contrasts with Vancouver Island:

As a West Coast Canadian Artist staying on the Easternmost edge of Canada, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons with my home on Vancouver Island. While both islands exist as distinct biospheres, Newfoundland’s wild, wind-swept expanses contrast sharply with the mild, beach-strewn beauty of Vancouver Island. The differences in size, climate, and flora contribute to their individual charms, each offering a unique experience.

Tinkers Point Path, East Coast Trail, Newfoundland – Brandy Saturley

Natural Wonders of Newfoundland:

The windiest points in North America reside in Newfoundland, contributing to a fierce winter. The landscape, reminiscent of Canada’s prairies, reveals vast flat expanses with stubby trees and thick forests. The rugged cliffsides, golden junipers, and vibrant hues of the ocean near the shoreline create a visual feast. The beaches, adorned with rocks in every conceivable color and texture, provide a unique canvas for exploration.

Rocks in Newfoundland – Brandy Saturley

Cultural Identities:

Despite their shared insularity, Newfoundland and Vancouver Island fiercely guard their distinct identities. While Newfoundland is deeply Irish, Vancouver Island leans towards its British roots. Indigenous culture thrives on Vancouver Island, whereas Newfoundland, tragically, saw its Indigenous heritage wiped out.

Culinary Contrasts:

From the culinary perspective, Newfoundland’s traditional fare revolves around cod and potatoes, with dressing, gravy, and chips forming their unique take on poutine. Vancouver Island, on the other hand, boasts Fanny Bay oysters, locally grown greens, and a rich variety of vegetarian and vegan options, reflecting a diverse and health-conscious culinary scene.

Architectural Character:

Homes in Newfoundland, square or rectangular with vivid colors, reflect a sense of time standing still. In contrast, Vancouver Island’s residences showcase diverse styles, influenced by natural elements such as cedar, moss, rock, and beach aesthetics.

The Battery, St. John’s Newfoundland – Brandy Saturley

A Love Letter to Newfoundland through three paintings

In the paintings born of my Newfoundland adventures, I aimed to capture the vivid palettes and dreamlike ambiance of this timeless place. The rhythms of traditional Newfoundland music, from jigs and reels to artists like Alan Doyle and Great Big Sea, infused my studio, creating what I affectionately call my ‘love letter to Newfoundland.

The ROCK and ROLL

The Rock and Roll, 56×36, acrylic and gouache on canvas, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

Of Whiskey Jigs and Floating Floors

Of Whiskey Jigs and Floating Floors, 48×36, acrylic on canvas, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

I Lost my Sou’Wester in Pouch Cove

I Lost my Sou’Wester in Pouch Cove, 64×28, acrylic on canvas, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

As my residency in Newfoundland concludes, I carry with me not only three new paintings but a deep appreciation for the distinct beauty, culture, and identity that define ‘The Rock.’ It’s an experience that has enriched my artistic perspective and left an indelible mark on my creative journey.

Brandy Saturley Studio – Victoria BC Canada

December 13, 2023