Posts

Artist On The Road

In The Steps of O’Keeffe – Artist on The Road to Santa Fe

If you have been reading this blog and following my work you know my obsession with Georgia O’Keeffe. It began in youth, intensified when I saw a retrospective of her works at the Vancouver Art Gallery. It then deepened with seeing her work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Now, after many years and more paintings, I am on my way to Santa Fe, do you know the way? Beginning in Victoria, Canada and ending in Santa Fe, New Mexico, we are headed out on the next journey. This trip will take us to the heart of the southwest art world, and one of the largest art markets in the USA, after New York City and Los Angeles. I’m an artist on the road, once again.

Cow’s Skull: Red, White & Blue – Georgia O’Keeffe, 1931

Over the years I have painted homage works to many of the greats, beginning with Goalie’s Mask; red, white and Dryden. Known as the ‘Goalie’s Mask Painting’, it is a composition and comment inspired by a famous work by O’Keeffe. When I first saw, Cow’s Skull: Red, White and Blue at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, I was surprised at how small it is, as with many famous works, grand in their infamy yet not in their size. Painted in 1931, this beautiful oil painting is visceral and moving, especially when you are close enough to see the scratches of the artists’ brush.

Goalie’s Mask: Red, White & Dryden, Brandy Saturley, 2011

Tired of the hustle and bustle of city life, O’Keeffe sought solace in the tranquil landscapes of Lake George, New York, and later, New Mexico. It was during her initial visit to the Southwest in 1929 that her artistic focus shifted from urban architecture to the natural wonders of New Mexico. In this particular piece, O’Keeffe captures the essence of a single skull, accentuating its rugged contours, weathered textures, and pale hue. To her, these bones symbolized the enduring allure of the desert and the resilience of the American ethos, hinted at by the striped backdrop. In 1949, O’Keeffe made New Mexico her permanent home, where she resided until her passing in 1986.

Georgia O’Keeffe, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, 1968 – Arnold Newman

Georgia O’Keeffe in Maui – Artist on The Road

While Santa Fe is the homeland and final resting place, Maui was another favourite place the artist painted. I discovered a book written by Maria Ausherman from interviews with Patricia Jennings, about world famous painter, and one of my favorites, Georgia O’Keeffe. The book, Georgia O’Keeffe’s Hawaii , focuses on three month’s in 1939 when O’Keeffe visited Hawaii including Maui, as guest of the Dole Pineapple company as they had commissioned her to paint an image for their advertising campaign. I retraced the steps of O’Keeffe and also came home with sketches and photos that would become a painting, a visual story, of my time soaking up Maui.

IAO, acrylic on canvas painting, 2018, Brandy Saturley

Connections with Lawren Harris

After this trip I began to dream about and see connections between the work of O’Keeffe and Canada’s luminary of the landscapes, Lawren Harris. While I have yet to find evidence of their world’s connecting, they certainly knew of one another. I found a paper online by Sara Angel, that explored the possibility of a connection between the two modernist painters. In the spring of 1938 Harris drove more than 3000km to relocate to Santa Fe, which is not surprising as the area is celebrated for it’s stunning landscapes.

Natural Affinities – O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams

This exhibition and the companion text, examine the connections and friendship between the iconic painter and landscape photographer Ansel Adams. Produced by The Smithsonian, Natural Affinities examines the friendship of two artists who were attracted to the distinct landscape of the American southwest and were committed to depicting its essence with modernist sensibilities.

San Francisco de Assisi , Santa Fe, Ghost Ranch New Mexico, Georgia O’Keeffe – Ansel Adams

It’s Good to Have Goals

Places I would like to live other than Vancouver Island – Maui, Santa Fe, Maui. I saw this pop up in my memories the other day, thank you Facebook, a reminder that I am on the path that I speak out loud, or at least to Facebook. While I have made my life and career as an artist on Vancouver Island as my home base, it has never stopped me from travelling for my art career. Now nearly twenty years in, I am looking at mid-career and where I would most like to see myself living and painting for the next twenty. Ideally the goal has always been split between Maui and Vancouver Island, but I have longed to spend time in the high desert of Santa Fe and on some level deep down, I know I will feel at home in this Southwestern landscape filled with vivid Indigenous cultures and colours.

Black Mesa Landscape, New Mexico / Out Back of Marie’s II, 1930 – Georgia O’Keeffe

The Time Has Come – Artist on The Road

After years of absorbing the wonderous world of O’Keeffe. Her passionate relationship with Alfred Stieglitz and her vibrating artworks, I am now only a week away from hitting the road to Santa Fe. Beginning in Victoria, BC with stops in Oregon and Moab Utah (serious photography and hiking time) I will arrive in Santa Fe in time for a few margaritas and a whole lot of art to see and create. There will definitely be some museums and a few other surprises.

On a side road somewhere in the Canadian prairies of Manitoba. Summer 2020 – self-photography Brandy Saturley

The next journey begins in May. Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram.

Sincerely Yours,

Brandy Saturley

April 25, 2024

A Trinity in Newfoundland

Artist Process, New Paintings

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

My Essential Studio Tools

Art Business, Artist Studio Tools

Items For Painters – My Essential Studio Tools

For many years I have shared my artist process and inside my studio on Instagram. While it has been a great tool for connecting with collectors, it has also been an opportunity to connect with fellow Artists of all stages. I get asked all the time about my custom made easels and my lighting equipment. Oftentimes there are questions about the brushes I use, the paints I prefer and even the cameras I utilize to capture my process. Instagram is a tough place to offer an in depth account of my studio tools, particularly when I am good at writing and love to share with people outside the Instaverse. So, after nearly two decades making art daily, here are the keys to my studio and a list of my essential tools and where you can pick them up online.

Brandy Saturley Studio, Vancouver Island, Canada, 2024

Wall Easels: these were custom built by my partner and me after we began looking online for options. At the time my studio was in the living room of our condo, and while I have great easel, the wall easels offered the opportunity to work on more than one painting at a time, while not taking up space. I found Paper Bird Studios online, they make handcrafted wall mounted easels, but they are pricey and shipping to Canada from Virginia. So we took Jason Tueller’s design and used it to make our own right here in Victoria, Canada. We used walnut and ended up making three wall easels. Since moving to my new home, and setting up a dedicated studio space, I dropped it down to two walls easels and kept my free standing crank easel.

Brandy Saturley Studio – Victoria BC Canada, 2024

Free-Standing Easel: I bought the BEST Classic Santa Fe II crank studio easel when I was in my condo, it’s a great sturdy studio easel and will easily take up to a 72″ canvas and still offer stability.

Studio Lighting: I like to control my lighting in the studio, I largely close up my windows to the outside and use four adjustable freestanding LED photography lights from GODOX. These lights offer the ability to control colour temperature, lumens power and angle of lighting. I can also control them by remote, but don’t often use the remotes as I find it just as easy to manually change the settings. The GODOX LED’s are meant for a photography studio, which is perfect for studio photography and video outside the ability to light for painting. I use the Godox LEDP260C Ultra-Thin 30W Dimmable LED Video Light Panel Lamp 3200K-5600K. I added the universal tripod stands by Amazon basics.

Brandy Saturley Studio – North Saanich, Canada, 2023

Ring Light: for video where I am speaking to the camera, recording painting process videos, and for Zoom, I use the 18 inch LED Neewer ring light with changeable filters from cool to warm light. It’s dimmable and comes with a tripod mount for iPhone. It makes everyone look great and comes with a useful camera remote.

Studio Supplies Cart: I love my cart, I keep some paints and mediums, as well as my brushes in this handy cart that I can move freely in the studio. It’s also a great place to put tapes, scissors, rulers and whatever else I might need to grab at a moments notice. I bought my sturdy steel 3 shelf cart through ULINE.

Go to Local Art Supplier: I have been loyal to my local supplier for years, Opus Art Supplies, they offer pro-discounts if you are buying over $1000 of supplies per year. I buy Golden Fluid acrylics, Golden OPEN, Liquitex acrylic gouache, Golden mediums and varnishes, Holbein Duo Aqua Water Mixable Oils, my canvas and panels through this awesome local business.

Golden Fluid Acrylic Paints and Mediums

Go to Local Acrylic Paint Supplier: there is a well known paint maker on Granville Island in Vancouver called KROMA, they offer top notch acrylic paints at reasonable prices and even supply paint to the Vancouver Film industry. Launched in 1970, KROMA has now been a part of the Vancouver art community, providing paint to painters for 50 years. Their success is based on the word of mouth recommendations of regular customers. While their business has slowly grown they still make each colour with considerable care, by hand, in small batches.

Brandy Saturley in studio with Kroma paints, Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity.

Paintbrushes: after my time in London, England at the Royal College of Art I came to discover Rosemary’s Brushes – from the Rosemary & Co. brush company. The finest handmade brushes on the planet and quite affordable as well. Shipping directly to my front door via Royal Mail service. I have come to develop a bit of an addiction to these great brushes. I am particularly in love with their SMOOSHING brushes, great for feathering and blending hard edges. If you purchase brushes please enter my affiliate coupon code BRANDYSATURLEY24 at checkout. Referral email for setting up a new account art@brandysaturley.com .

Using a Rosemary & Co. mini smooshing brush for tiny details.

Don’t forget the good old dollar store (Poundland in the UK) and building supply stores, they offer many great tools for artists at reasonable rates. I also love walking the back aisles at our local Princess Auto, it’s amazing what you can find that can help you in the studio. From paintbrushes to foam brushes, rollers for finishing and painters tape.

My Essential Art Supplies – studio table at Pouch Cove Foundation, Newfoundland, 2023

Remember, I have been building my studio for nearly twenty years and three moves, so as your art career grows, your studio will grow with you and these pieces are things you invest in both daily and over time. There is no sense going out and buying the best of everything right from the start, what you need grows out of where you are heading with your art career. Next post I will cover camera supplies, printers and archiving software.

Happy art making everyone!

Sincerely Yours,

Brandy Saturley

April 18, 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

A Day in The Life

Art Career, Artist Process

What Do Artists Do All Day? A Day in The Life of An Artist

I woke up, I stumbled out of bed, dragged my fingers across my head. Found my way across the floor, let the machine pour me a cup. I made my way upstairs, and noticed I was later than usual. I found my slippers and grabbed my blanket and laid back in my chair as I read the news on my iPhone. Found some emails waiting to be answered and some comments on my Facebook and Instagram that needed a response. Grabbed my mug walked downstairs to the shower, washed the night before off and got ready for a cup more. As the coffee machine churned loudly, I glanced outside through the kitchen window and my mind noticed the clouds drift by, in a different way than the day before. I ran upstairs and grabbed my camera, another distraction and another opportunity to capture life with distinction.

Sunset on BC Ferries by Brandy Saturley on 500px.com

I am a full-time artist, a professional, though that always sounds a bit weird to say, as it’s not like being a Dr. or Lawyer. It’s not a 9-5, although I try to stick to a schedule, as it helps me to turn the brain down a notch and also remember to engage in life, outside my studio. Like being a hockey player, it is something that grew from love and play and a love of this thing called ‘making art’ more than anything else in the world. Turning a childhood dream into something that sustains me, still seems like a dream, one that comes true every day that I wake up and stumble out of bed.

Sky through veil and light by Brandy Saturley on 500px.com

My day begins just like yours, but what I do all day is a balancing act between right and left brain. Between what I want to do (make art) and what I need to do (sell art and communicate with people outside my studio). These are polar opposite things, one is creating something from the purest voice within and one is about commerce and structure and marketing. One is highly personal and one is a means to making more art and the career grow and art last generations. A dealer said to me the other day, I shouldn’t be thinking about the latter, but that it also should be the most important thing, this explains the art business in the most succinct way I am able, from the perspective of an artist navigating it. As a hyper-sensitive artist with a bulletproof set of armour, this could drive one to drink or go crazy, and sometimes it is quite hard to reconcile these two halves.

So while we endeavor to make art for arts sake, sometimes we need to make art for commerce sake, so we can continue to do the first, and magically sometimes the two converge and this is the sweet spot.

My weeks and days are flexible but I also adhere to a routine. I get up early, have coffee work in the office until about 11am and then head down to the studio. I paint until noon, break for lunch and exercise and then back at the painting until dinner. Then more office work, reading, maybe a webinar, and build a list for the next day. I have a number of lists, weekly to do, daily to do, annual to do. I have lists for my office and for my studio work. These lists differ greatly, the studio list is mostly ideas for work, series of paintings and future shows. The office is all the rest, the submissions, emails, newsletters, website, social media, sales, shipping.

My studio has become a sacred space, a place where I make art, have my art books and all the things I have collected that relate to work I may make in the future. I moved my office out of my studio after a flood during the pandemic and it was the best decision I ever made, I feel it has changed my work completely. The studio is now a place I can really disappear into the flow of painting and creating. Listening to music and books, a place where I can read and reflect. My studio is by far my favourite place in the world. It is all I really need in the whole world, to make me happy.

Brandy Saturley Studio – Victoria, BC Canada

I have often said that artists are like athletes, I have written about it many times before. Athletes and Artists aren’t very fond of this comparison, perhaps because one relates to physical exertion and physical toughness and a competitive nature. I think if I were to take any athletic sport and contrast it with being an artist it would be golf. For with golf as with art, the competition is with yourself, and it is a lifelong sport and while there is a development of skills and discipline, so much of the game is in the head and with the elements. Athletes and artists have to find a way to fund their careers, they have to find patrons, sponsors, and supporters. They have to find a mental toughness and block out the world around them, but also be open to everything the world delivers.

The Heavy Lifting of Art Making – Brandy Saturley

A Day in The Life – The Artist Process

Every few months I find myself on the road, with living on an island on the extreme west coast of Canada, I find it is integral to keeping myself engaged in the conversation of Art, outside of my immediate world. These ‘art road trips’ offer the opportunity to break out my Nikon and work out my photographer’s eye. These trips also offer the opportunity to engage with the places I visit and these art communities. Visits to art museums and galleries, offer opportunities to keep myself sharp and engaged in the global conversation of art. These trips offer the time to breath, to experience a new place and new perspectives. Adventures that get me writing, photographing, sketching and thinking, deeply. This is my process as an Artist.

Brandy Saturley with her Nikon at Cape Spear Lighthouse, Newfoundland

This is what Artists’ do all day. We continuously fill the vessel, soak up the rhythms of the world and pour it out in many different ways. We are disciplined, but also need time for play and discovery. We are always seeking to go further with our art and challenge ourselves and our conversations with the world. We are diving rods planted deeply within the Earth, and it can be hard to disconnect from this, so we must keep schedules, this helps.

To see more of my journey and inside my studio, check this out.

April 3, 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

How to Invest in Art

Buying Art, Investing In Canadian Art

Beyond Buying Art for the Love of It: How to Invest in Canadian Art

Studio visits are something I offer rarely, as this is my working space, it is sacred. Thankfully, I maintain a studio in my home where my studio is separate, and my home functions as a place to display my art made in the studio below. Invitations to my home gallery are extended to serious investors only. If I feel there is a genuine interest for a specific piece in my collection, I will extend a rare opportunity to visit my home and see the work on a wall, properly lit for a serious art collector to enjoy in person. Investing in Canadian Art should be done with love first, and perhaps investment second, looking at an artists’ provenance and how this can bring investment insight.

For me as the Artist, inviting a potential new client into my home studio, gives me a personal opportunity to meet someone who really loves my work. These opportunities to connect with a genuine fan, always give as much to me as the Artist, as the Art gives to a true lover of my paintings. In these intimate visits I can share the story behind the piece, and in the stories the collector brings to the piece through their own unique experiences. These collectors understand the investment in an art career that spans nearly two decades now. They are also aware of the depth of my involvement in the Canadian Art Industry, with important public and private gallery shows, as well as deep professional connections in the industry.

Canadianisms: A Half Decade Painting Canada – Strathcona County Gallery @501 – 2017 Brandy Saturley

They also learn about the private and corporate collections who have invested in my work as well as my journey across Canada and England over the course of my career. Currently my dealer of choice, Willock & Sax in Banff Canada, represents my work. I also have work available through James Baird Gallery in Newfoundland, Canada. These phenomenal dealers offer my work as do I, and I also work together with them to help promote and sell my work. Dealing with me directly or these two dealers, confirms the painting will be an original Brandy Saturley, if the piece is not from one of these representatives, it is not an original and authentic Brandy Saturley.

Willock & Sax Art Gallery, Banff Canada – Brandy Saturley 2023

Investing in Art: The Path to Profound Connection and Profit

Choosing the right artist is more than just selecting a name; it’s about recognizing influence, acknowledging public and media recognition, and delving into the artist’s journey. Whether it’s a contemporary master or a promising emerging talent, every piece holds the potential for long-term profitability and personal fulfillment.

The Art of Investment: Beyond Aesthetics

When considering an investment, it’s crucial to look beyond aesthetics. Assessing the long-term profitability of your acquisitions involves careful consideration of exhibition, preservation, and storage conditions. Protecting your investment isn’t just about preserving the artwork; it’s about safeguarding its value for generations to come.

Art as Legacy: The Power of Donation

Beyond the monetary gains, the true value of art lies in its ability to inspire and endure. By considering the donation of your acquisitions to museums or recognized charities, you not only enrich cultural heritage but also unlock significant tax benefits—a legacy that transcends generations.

hockey gallery Canada's Sports Hall of Fame

The Art of Brandy Saturley @ Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, 2012

Navigating the Art Market: Seek Expert Guidance

In the complex world of art investment, guidance is paramount. By consulting with experts—gallery owners, art advisors, tax accountants—you gain insights that extend beyond the canvas. Trust in their knowledge, but never forget the importance of following your heart.

In the End, Trust Your Instincts

Amidst the intricacies of art investment, one truth remains: buy what you love. As an artist, I encourage you to consider all factors, but ultimately, let your passion be your guide. Your investment journey is as unique as the art you choose to embrace—embrace it with confidence and conviction.

Two of Three Acquisitions by the Colart Collection, Montreal CANADA – 2012 Brandy Saturley

How to Invest in Canadian Art: Buy an original Brandy Saturley

Are you ready to step into a world where passion and profit converge? Join me on a journey where every brushstroke tells a story, and every investment holds the promise of a brighter future. Start your art investment journey today, through buying something to love and enjoy for generations.

Brandy Saturley at Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, 2022

March 22, 2024

WILDLIFE Art Exhibition Project

Art Show

Opening March 31, 2024: WILDLIFE Art Exhibition Project

Experience the untamed beauty of nature from the comfort of your screen with the WILDLIFE Spring Art Exhibition Project, hosted by the esteemed John B. Aird Gallery in Toronto, Canada. In a world where digital connections have become paramount, we invite you to embark on a visual journey that transcends boundaries and celebrates many Artists expressions of WILDLIFE.

Since its inception in 1975, the John B. Aird Gallery has been a beacon of artistic expression, championing the work of Canadian artists and fostering a vibrant cultural community. Named in honor of Ontario’s 23rd Lieutenant Governor, the gallery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and innovation.

With the onset of the pandemic, the gallery has embraced the digital realm, bringing its exhibitions to a global audience. This spring, join us as we unveil the WILDLIFE project, curated by renowned Montreal gallerists André Laroche and Louis Joncas. Featuring contributions from 62 artists and showcasing 71 mesmerizing pieces, this exhibition promises to inspire and captivate.

Proud to be selected for this unique project and virtual exhibition, I am thrilled to present my painting ‘Monarch of the Arctic Realms’, a homage to the majestic polar bear and its habitat. Selected as artwork of the year in 2023, this piece invites viewers into the serene yet powerful world of the Arctic wilderness.

Monarch of The Arctic Realms – acrylic and gouache on raw canvas, 2023 Brandy Saturley

62 Artists: WILDLIFE Art Exhibition Project

Don’t miss your chance to experience the WILDLIFE exhibition, accessible online at the Aird Gallery website. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and join the conversation surrounding contemporary art and visual culture. Visit https://airdgallery.org to explore the exhibition and discover a world of creativity at your fingertips. Additionally, a publication featuring the showcased artwork will be available for perusal on the website at https://airdgallery.org/publications/. Join us as we celebrate the intersection of art and visual culture in this unforgettable showcase of talent and inspiration.

March 19, 2024

Brandy Saturley X Grounded People

Art Licensing, Commissioned Art

An Ethical Collaboration – The Art of Brandy Saturley X Grounded People

Over the years, The Art of Brandy Saturley has proudly collaborated with a variety of distinctive brands and institutions. From ThinOptics reading glasses to the Vancouver Symphony, from fine wine to handmade chocolate bars, and even educational institutions, public schools, and university texts—wherever there’s a natural synergy, we’re eager to collaborate. Last year, our creative journey led us to a partnership with Grounded People, a revolutionary ethical footwear brand based in Vancouver, Canada. Introducing Brandy Saturley X Grounded People, unique artist collaborations launching Spring 2024.

Brandy Saturley X Grounded People 2024

Artist Collaborations – Brandy Saturley X Grounded People

Bringing together art and footwear, the collaboration between Brandy Saturley and Grounded People offers a unique fusion of creativity and style. Hand-painted with acrylics, The Art of Brandy Saturley tells four distinct visual stories on each pair of All SZN high-top shoes. Featuring Saturley’s signature ‘Pop Canadianisms’ style, the designs capture the essence of outdoor adventures in Canada, particularly the breathtaking landscapes of the Vancouver coastal mountains.

Original acrylic painting on Grounded People All SZN boots – Brandy Saturley, 2024

Each panel on the shoes showcases a unique story:

– Outside Left: Featuring ‘The Lions’ peaks, orcas, and maple leaves.
– Inside Left: Depicting the coastal mountain range and a Grounded hockey player.
– Outside Right: Showcasing the Garibaldi range (black tusk) with elk and a sunset.
– Inside Right: Highlighting more of the Garibaldi range with a Grounded snowboarder.

Artist collaborations: Brandy Saturley original painting on All SZN boots, 2024

The process of painting these shoes presented unique challenges due to the differing surfaces, but the result is a stunning blend of artistry and functionality.

Why collaborate with Grounded People?

Here are four compelling reasons:

1. Beautifully Designed and Comfortable Footwear: Grounded People’s footwear combines exquisite design with unparalleled comfort.
2. Ethical and Environmentally Conscious: Grounded People is committed to ethical manufacturing practices and environmental sustainability.
3. Unique Tracking System: Experience a unique journey through the creation of your footwear with Grounded People’s innovative tracking system.
4. Giving Back to the Community: Grounded People is dedicated to giving back through partnerships with charitable organizations.

Who are Grounded People?

Grounded People was founded with a mission to revolutionize the fashion industry by setting a new ethical standard. They believe in producing fashion that minimizes environmental impact and prioritizes the well-being of all living beings.

Their commitment includes:

– Animal-Free Manufacturing: shoes are crafted without the use of animal products.
– Environmentally Friendly Materials: prioritize materials with low environmental impact to ensure durability and longevity.
– Fair Labor Practices: partner exclusively with manufacturers who uphold fair labor standards, ensuring workers are treated fairly and work in safe conditions.

Additionally, their innovative LACES program offers versatility and supports charitable causes. With every pair of shoes purchased, we donate 100% of the proceeds to a charitable organization of your choice. Each charity is represented by a unique color of LACES, allowing you to support causes close to your heart.

Grounded People All SZN shoes

Check out all the Grounded People collaborations here.

Own a unique Brand? Learn more about collaborating with The Art of Brandy Saturley.

March 14, 2024