Posts

Whether Summer or Winter, Banff is Art.

Our latest art expedition took us on an awe-inspiring journey through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, from British Columbia to Alberta. This route has become a familiar one over the years as we transported artwork to galleries, preserved the landscapes through photography and videos for future paintings, and cherished moments spent with collectors, galleries, artist friends, and family.

Banff is Art

Driving through the Rockies, somewhere near Revelstoke, Brandy Saturley

Our most recent visit to Banff occurred in November 2022 when I spent two weeks at the Thom Studio within the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, immersed in the creation of art. That particular journey was accompanied by bone-chilling temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius, blanketing the region in pristine snow and adorning lakes with a shimmering layer of ice. It was a time for donning toques and parkas, and walking carefully on the iced-over lakes. For this summer adventure we donned out baseball hats and hiking sneakers and found ourselves capturing the vastness of the skies and the tranquil beauty of the dry landscapes, adorned with hues of green ranging from emerald to lime, complemented by the earthy tones of stone and clay. Against this backdrop, the fiery red canoes stood out vividly on the vermillion lakes, contrasting with the aqua and turquoise glacial waters, while the emerald forests completed the mesmerizing panorama.

Banff is Art

Photo: Mt. Rundle from Vermillion Lakes, Brandy Saturley

Our presence in Banff this time served two purposes. Firstly, we delivered a collection of paintings featuring polar bears traversing Banff National Park to my trusted Banff art dealer, Willock & Sax Gallery. These seven new small-scale paintings conveyed captivating visual narratives of the Polar Bear King and his expeditions in Banff. Secondly, we joined in the celebration of the Art in Nature Trail, an awe-inspiring outdoor art gallery displaying installations along the trail leading from the Whyte Museum to the Bow Falls, alongside the Bow River. This trail, open from July 1st to September 30th, adds its unique artistic touch to the Banff Lake Louise collection.

Banff is Art

Polar Bear paintings by Brandy Saturley – Willock & Sax Gallery Banff

While in town, we explored the diverse range of galleries Banff has to offer. Aside from Willock & Sax Gallery, which has been a constant source of beautiful artworks, I delighted in the artistic treasures found at Carter-Ryan Gallery, Canada House Gallery, Mountain Galleries, and the Whyte Museum.

Banff is Art

Willock & Sax Gallery, Banff Alberta, 2023

For our stay, we chose to book accommodations at the Banff Centre, a place that feels like a serene home surrounded by art and nature at every turn. A short hike down the mountain leads you into the heart of the bustling town, especially during one of the busiest weekends of the year. Banff Avenue, exclusively for pedestrians, presents the perfect opportunity to capture an exquisite photo of Cascade Mountain from the center of the street.

Banff is Art

Banff Avenue in the summer.

On Canada Day, we decided to rise early and ascend Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola. The views from the peak were nothing short of spectacular, providing a fresh perspective on the town and the surrounding mountain ranges. The ever-changing clouds and the play of filtered light created captivating displays, casting golden highlights against the lush emerald green and various shades of clay. We embarked on a hike from the gondola station to the cosmic ray tower before the rest of the world arrived for their Canada Day adventures. From there, we made our way back to Lake Minnewanka, which was noticeably less crowded during the winter season. We also revisited Vermilion Lakes, now fully thawed and bustling with kayaks and canoes. The sight of Mount Rundle reflected in the swamp grass-lined lakes below was truly breathtaking.

View from Sulphur Mountain, Banff Gondola, summer 2023

As we made our way uphill to the Banff Centre, the tranquil hike offered a welcome respite from the crowds and noise of Canada Day. Banff’s summer beauty is equally enchanting, with a different atmosphere permeating the air. It remains one of the most picturesque places in Canada, as evidenced by the presence of stag deer and an elk, gracefully welcoming us home for the night. Banff is undeniably nature’s masterpiece, an art form in itself. It comes as no surprise that it continues to inspire countless artists, photographers, writers, musicians, and adventure seekers.

Banff is Art

View from Sulphur Mountain of Banff Centre campus.

Just like my previous visit in November, this experience will continue to fuel my future paintings. Banff, you never cease to captivate us with the abundance of inspiration you offer.

Banff is Art

Vermillion Lakes View, Banff Alberta, Brandy Saturley

Commissioned Artwork for Art in Nature Trail in Banff, Canada

Recently I was contacted about creating an original artwork on a slice of tree (wood cookie) for a very distinctive Canadian public art installation. The ‘Art in Nature Trail’ is Banff’s latest art extravaganza transcending the confines of traditional galleries, it breaks free from the limitations of admission tickets. Begun in 2021, it has become a meticulously curated collection of over 65 awe-inspiring art installations, masterfully crafted by esteemed Canadian Artists. These creations span a diverse range of mediums, each piece carefully selected to harmonize with the surrounding natural landscape.

Art in Nature Trail

Raw wood cookie, the canvas for the Artists of the Art in Nature Trail, 2023

The theme for the show this year (and for the past two years) is “what inspires you/heals you that is found in the forest….” Essentially, what do the artists want the visitor to feel when they look at at the Art, and then take with them as the carry on thru the woods. For this year’s event, running from July 1  thru September 30, 2023, I have created a piece that follows my series of paintings about a polar bear looking for a new home, while traversing Canada.

Artic Monarch: A Polar Bear’s Quest for Home

Artist Statement About the Painting:

As an artist, I have embarked on a creative exploration of the profound challenges faced by polar bears in a rapidly warming world. In my painting, “Arctic Monarch,” I invite you to join me on a captivating journey where a polar bear seeks a new home amidst the changing landscapes of Canada. Together, we traverse the country, eventually arriving at the breathtaking Banff National Park, a true natural gem.

In this poignant scene, I present the polar bear taking a respite on a snowy bank at the edge of a flowing river. As I paint, I envision the bear gazing skyward, captivated by the ethereal display of the Northern Lights. Amidst this celestial dance, the majestic constellation Ursa Major, representing the “greater bear,” materializes, signifying the polar bear’s regal presence. This magnificent creature truly embodies the essence of a polar bear king.

Using my brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette, I strive to capture the essence of this pivotal moment in the polar bear’s journey. Through my art, I aim to evoke contemplation about the profound impacts of climate change on our planet’s delicate ecosystems. “Arctic Monarch” serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility as stewards of the environment and the urgent need to preserve the natural wonders of Banff National Park and beyond.

In the creation of “Arctic Monarch,” I draw inspiration from the resilience and adaptability of wildlife. Through this artwork, I hope to ignite a sense of shared responsibility, encouraging viewers to reflect upon the interconnectedness of all life forms and the vital importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations. By experiencing the world through the polar bear’s perspective, I aspire to awaken a deep appreciation for the delicate balance between human activities and the preservation of Earth’s precious biodiversity. “Arctic Monarch” serves as a visual testament to the urgency of protecting our natural wonders and ensuring a sustainable future where magnificent creatures like the polar bear can continue to flourish. Join me on this artistic expedition, where brushstrokes become a conduit for dialogue and where the power of imagery compels us to recognize our collective duty in safeguarding the beauty that surrounds us. Let “Arctic Monarch” be a catalyst for change, inspiring us all to embrace environmental stewardship and forge a path towards a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

SIZE: 11” x 15.5” x 2.5”d

Acrylic and gouache poured, painted with brush and scratched away for added textural elements. Painted on supplied wood cookie shipped to my studio from Canmore, Alberta.

Art in Nature Trail

Arctic Monarch, acrylic painting on wood cookie, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

This painting is on it’s way to Banff, you can view previous editions of this unique outdoor art experience on the Banff Lake Louise Tourism website here.

Art in Nature Trail, Banff Alberta Now open!

Art in Nature Trail

Arctic Monarch – polar bear painting with Ursa Major and northern lights, 2023, Art in Nature Trail, Banff Alberta Canada

You can find ‘Arctic Monarch’ by Brandy Saturley on the trail, near the Bow Falls.

Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley at Art in Nature Trail – Banff, Canada 2023

This year’s edition of the ‘Art in Nature Trail’ opens July 1 and runs until September 30, 2023. After you visit the Art in Nature Trail, you can see more polar bear paintings by Brandy Saturley at Willock & Sax Gallery at 210 Bear Street in Banff town centre.

Polar Bear King paintings by Brandy Saturley – available at Willock & Sax Gallery, Banff Alberta.

Filled With Snow – Group Exhibition in Banff, Alberta

For Snow Days in Banff, Willock & Sax Gallery is presenting a group art exhibition by their gallery artists, “Filled With Snow”. This group art exhibition in downtown Banff, Alberta features paintings by Brandy Saturley, Mitchell Fenton, George Weber, Margaret Shelton, Linda Craddock, Murray Hay and Martha Houston, to name a few. There is also fine art photography by Tom Willock on view and available for collecting. Running from January 18 – 31, 2023.

King of The Polar Bears | Acrylic On Canvas – 36 x 48 x 1.5 in – (91.44 x 121.92 x 3.81 cm) – Brandy Saturley

Group Exhibition Banff Alberta

King of the Polar Bears rides on the roof of a scarlet red JEEP wrangler, snow capped Mt. Robson in the background. Taking a road trip through the rocky mountains of Canada. Adapting to the changing climate, he is out for fun and adventure. Discovering new sights, sounds and experiences.

In recent years, as wildfires ignite across the globe and ocean levels rise, artists have been faced with expressing their feelings in paint about the crisis of our times. We are seeing more Art and paintings confronting the global warming crisis, more than ever. We can feel the urgency in our bones to address social and political issues as we are vessels of society who soak it all in and pour it out onto the canvas. For me, I have felt the call and seen these issues subtly and subconsciously spill into in my art over the years. It is impossible to ignore, when you feel the heat and see the floods. Art can be a beacon of hope, lighting the way and compelling us to act. It most certainly compels me to paint, offering a beautiful and visual way to express my thoughts on the global conversation.

Polar Bears 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.

Churchill Manitoba is a place I plan to explore in the coming years. I want to study the polar bears and their behaviors up close, coming home to my studio to create new work informed by my time in Churchill. The next artist residency for a Canadian Artist painting themes of Canada.

See more polar bear paintings by Brandy Saturley.

Artist Flourishing: 2022 in Review

As the end of 2022 approaches and many are writing their year in review lists, I too am looking back at a prolific, venturesome and prosperous year making art in Canada. In any good year I find myself making between 25 and 30 new paintings, this year with all that was on my schedule I would have been happy with 15 new paintings, and as I look back at the year I realize I made 34 new paintings ) 37 if you count the studies that never ended up becoming final works. The year included travel and art making in Maui, Hawaii and Banff, Alberta. Two contrasting climates offering fertile beauty and impressions that will feed hundreds of paintings to come. At the end of each year I prepare for the next with a solid outline of what I plan to accomplish as well as big audacious hopes and dreams. This annual review and plan for the coming year offers balance as I focus on production of new work, art shows, and art sales. It can be challenging to balance artist brain with financial brain, but it is essential in moving to each next level with my art career. Being a successful Canadian artist carries responsibility as success is earned and the rent is due every every single day. Here are some highlights from a year I will call ‘Flourishing’. Cheers to 2023!

January – began with new paintings that were off-the-cuff as I challenged myself to make art in the moment and without the usual photo reference. These paintings offered very abstract backgrounds using shape and intense colour to communicate the landscapes that the central characters would inhabit.

2022 in Review

Modern Canadian Elk: painting of an Elk on a Northern Lights inspired background

February – continuing on my path of exploring Canadian culture I found myself entranced with Nanaimo Bars on Valentines Day

2022 in Review

On Top of Nanaimo Bars: a figure skater perched a top a tower of delicious desserts made in Canada

March – a few more paintings including two showstoppers featuring red canoes

2022 in Review

Brandy Saturley in her Victoria BC studio with two canoe paintings, March 2022

March also included a trip to Vancouver to deliver art and see Yoko Ono: Growing Freedom at Vancouver Art Gallery

yoko ono growing freedom

Growing Freedom: the instructions of Yoko Ono, the Art of John and Yoko

April – new self-portrait for my ‘Pop Canadianisms’ series – solidarity with our Ukrainian friends

2022 in review

Portrait Painting of a Ukrainian Canadian Artist

May – mindful of our Alberta cousins and Indigenous relations

Indigenous Landscape painting

Painting of Blackfoot tribal chief next to red canoe at Lake Louise, Alberta

June – all about Maui, Hawaii – a beauteous place to fill my eyes, nose, ears and brain

HUI NO'EAU Arts Centre Maui

Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley at HUI NO’EAU VISUAL ARTS CENTER

Painting inspired by Maui Hawaii residency.

July – Sooke Fine Arts show, Sooke BC Canada

Sooke Fine Arts Show 2022

Ukraine Strong, acrylic painting on canvas, 2022 – Brandy Saturley

August – Society of Canadian Artists 54th Annual Exhibition in Toronto, Canada

Society of Canadian Artists 54th

Society of Canadian Artists 54th International Open Exhibition Features Portrait by Brandy Saturley

September – photography and preparations for the annual art magazine/catalogue

Brandy Saturley Canadian Artist

Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley in studio with some of the paintings created in 2022

October – with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II – two paintings honoring Britain and the monarch

2022 in Review

Painting of Queen Elizabeth II by Brandy Saturley, 2022

 

End of An Era – painting of Union Jack and Canadian Flag at half mast, 2022, Brandy Saturley

Annual art catalogue is completed and printed.

Canadian Art Catalogues

Modern Canadian Pop Mythos – 2022 art catalogue Brandy Saturley

November – bound for Banff, Alberta two week painting residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Brandy Saturley Lake Minnewanka

In Banff, Alberta at Lake Minnewanka

Banff Centre Painting Residency

Thom Studio at Banff Centre – Brandy Saturley Canadian Artist

2022 in Review

Brandy Saturley in Thom Studio at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, November 2022

Banff Centre of Arts and Creativity

Brandy Saturley with final paintings created at Banff Centre residency 2022

December – Art of Winter at Adele Campbell Fine Art

adele campbell fine art

Brandy Saturley northern portrait – part of Art of Winter group show at Adele Campbell Fine Art

December – the Art of Brandy Saturley now represented by Willock & Sax in Banff, Alberta

2022 in Review

The Art of Brandy Saturley – now on view at Willock and Sax Gallery in Banff, Alberta

December – Brandy Saturley awarded residency in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland at Pouch Cove Foundation artist work/live studios

Pouch Cove Foundation artist residency in Newfoundland, Canada.

See more paintings created by Brandy Saturley in 2022.

 

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity – Artist Residency November  2022

For two weeks in November I worked in the Leighton Artists Studios on the campus of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta. I was invited to bring my studio and practice to Banff and awarded the Paul D. Fleck Fellowships in the Arts Endowment which paid for my visual artist residency and stay at the Banff Centre. Having spent two weeks in the stunning location on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain, with some of the largest and most distinct of the Canadian Rocky Mountains surrounding the campus, I now refer to Banff Centre as the visual arts Juilliard of Canada. Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. The goal of all who work here is to inspire everyone who attends the campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential. The studios have played host to many important Canadian artist collaborations over the years including K.D Lang, Joni Mitchell, Séan McCann of Great Big Sea, and Canadian Visual Artist Brian Jungen.

Banff Centre Artist Residency

View from Vistas dining room Banff Centre

The project I planned to undertake while in Banff, was to make a very large painting on loose duck canvas in my studio. The painting subject matter to be informed by the immediate area surrounding my studio and around campus. Through capturing the sights, sounds, smells and feeling of the place through video, photography, writing and exploration on foot, I worked to translate the experience of being in this place through the medium of acrylic and gouache paint on canvas. I went in with a loose plan and project proposal, which resulted in two large paintings, a diptych, communicating one visual story on canvas.

Banff Centre Artist Residency

Brandy Saturley standing in front of Thom Studio

I was assigned to the Thom Studio #6, named for the architect of the studio, Ron Thom. One of 10 studios in the forested and secluded areas of the campus known as the Leighton Artists Studios. Within the walls of these studios artists of all genres work away, from writers to musicians and visual artists, this is a small village of remarkably prolific professional creatives. When I arrived to the path that circles the studios I was met with a snowstorm and white out skies. We walked in my supplies for painting, lights, photography equipment and some already finished paintings as I believe it is important to surround yourself with your previous work, if possible. This studio was made for painters with vaulted ceiling and skylights, patio and windows by a desk.

banff centre painting residency

Ron Thom Studio #6 – Leighton Artists Studios – Banff Centre

The skylights were covered in snow and added to the feeling of being in wooded silence in the snowy wilderness. The view out my desk window, a perfect winter wonderland.

Banff Centre Painting Residency

I arrived on the Sunday before my residency start date and was graciously offered the opportunity to set up my studio a day early, this way Monday morning I could get to what I came for, making new work inspired by the location.

Banff Centre Painting Residency

Inside Thom Studio – Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

On the Monday I began two weeks in my studio. A total of 12 days in residence on campus. It was a short stay and a lot of work to make, but luckily my studio was open to me 24hrs a day. During my residency I made two large paintings each measuring 58” x 52”, also known as a diptych. These paintings are inspired by my experience of exploring the woods around my studio and the wildlife that surrounds.

Banff Centre Artist Residency

Painting in progress – making art at Banff Centre

I spent 7 hours a day in my studio and we took some time on the weekend to get photos at Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, North Saskatchewan River Crossing, Vermillion Lakes, Mount Norquay and Bow Lake. It was very cold, lots of snow, and I fell in love with it! Safe to say I am a snow person now.

Brandy Saturley Lake Minnewanka

Brandy Saturley at Lake Minnewanka.

During this residency I was taken by the silence of the forest and sounds of squirrel, raven and deer outside my door.

Banff Centre Leighton Studios

Squirrel!

Banff Centre Leighton Studios

Stag! mule deer.

Banff Centre Leighton Studios

I see you!

My studio practice includes working through my ideas using video, photography, writing and observation. As I work through my thoughts for a painting, and lay down the blueprint on canvas, I am working on telling a story about my experience and my observations. I have always felt myself an observer in a big beautiful world, letting experiences flow over me and into my brain, processing in the frontal lobe and coming out through my brush on canvas. In a larger sense I am looking to tell the stories of my Canadian experiences, each painting or series of paintings is a new chapter in this journey.

Banff Centre artist residency

Brandy Saturley in Thom Studio at Banff Centre

The paintings, photos, video and writing I have created during this residency will feed future work and series of paintings. Beginning with this diptych painting, titled ‘Symphony of the Forest’, I am excited to see where the material developed and gathered on this trip will affect future work.

Banff Centre of Arts and Creativity

Chair of contemplation – Banff Centre – November 2022

I have created a time-lapse video of my painting process while in the Leighton Studios at Banff Centre. Watch how the paintings developed.

See more paintings by Canadian Contemporary Artist Brandy Saturley. Learn more about the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. A little known fact about the Banff Centre, the conferences hosted by the centre pay for artist residencies, along with donors, the conferences are an integral part of keeping this gem of the Canadian Art World moving forward. Now celebrating 90 years!

My time at Banff Centre exceeded my expectations from the people, to the facilities, studio and hotel. I will look forward to returning again, soon!

Painting a Famous Canadian Landscape: A Tribute to Lake Louise

Lake Louise, located in Banff, Alberta, has been a source of inspiration for me on numerous occasions. Whether I visit during the vibrant summer months when the lake reflects shades of tropical turquoise or in the midst of winter, when the ice is thick enough for various recreational activities, the beauty of this iconic Canadian landscape never fails to captivate me. Throughout my art career, I have painted Lake Louise and its majestic peaks nine times, each rendition representing a different stage of my artistic journey.

Famous Canadian Landscape

Imagine Canoe: painting of a Blackfoot chief at Lake Louise, with red canoe

Following my return from London, I embarked on a new artistic venture: painting immense landscapes on unstretched duck canvas. My first undertaking in this style was Princess Louisa Inlet, situated on the sunshine coast of British Columbia. Rumored to be named after Princess Louise, or perhaps even Queen Victoria’s mother, this landscape became the initial exploration of my large-scale artistic vision. Subsequently, I completed my second expansive work, measuring an impressive seven feet in width, in December. This piece pays homage to the breathtaking view of Lake Louise, as seen from the eastern shoreline of the Fairmont Lake Louise, facing west.

Famous Canadian Landscape

The Sound of a Landscape – Princess Louisa Inlet: oversized acrylic landscape painting by Brandy Saturley

In the summer of 2019, my art career took me to London, England, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth. This fortuitous timing granted me access to the monarch’s archives, allowing me to share the mementos and stories of her personal life—a side seldom glimpsed, especially on such a grand scale. During my time in London, the exhibition “Victoria: Woman & Crown” at Kensington Palace intrigued me the most. It offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the royal curtain, showcasing the love for the arts shared by Victoria and Prince Albert. The exhibition even included some of Victoria’s own personal paintings. Notably, there are significant connections between my hometown of Victoria, Canada (named after the monarch), and the province of Alberta (named after Victoria’s fourth daughter, Princess Louise Caroline Alberta). The name “Alberta” itself, derived from the feminine form of Albert and rooted in German, conveys a meaning of brightness, nobility, and fame.

Portrait of a young Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace, London England 2019

Both the Queen and Princess Louise were staunch supporters of the arts in their public lives. Louise, an accomplished sculptor and artist, was also a strong advocate for the feminist movement. The naming of Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta, serves as a testament to the lasting influence of the monarch.

During the creation of this large-scale Canadian landscape painting, I documented my daily progress in the studio through time-lapse filming. By condensing the footage, viewers can witness the numerous layers of acrylic color applied repetitively until the desired hues, form, and depth are achieved. Personally, I find that painting to music helps establish the desired atmosphere in my studio. Consequently, when editing this short film, I sought out music that not only complements the tone of the film but also resonates with the final artwork itself.

Famous Canadian Landscape paintings

Brandy Saturley working on oversized landscape painting of Lake Louise, Alberta Canada

Through this oversized tribute to Lake Louise, I hope to convey the profound beauty and timeless allure of this famous Canadian landscape. With every brushstroke, I aim to capture the essence of a place that holds a special significance in both the natural and cultural heritage of Canada.

Watch the entire process of painting, Lake Louise Swish here:

See more photos and read about the painting here:

painting Lake Louise

Oversized painting of Lake Louise inside Brandy Saturley studio.

See past works inspired by Lake Louise on the artists’  website here:

Famous Canadian Landscape

Poppies For Louise – by Brandy Saturley