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50th SCA International Exhibition

On The Cover: The 50th SCA International Exhibition

The Society of Canadian Artists 50th Open International Exhibition welcomed Canadian Art lovers on July 26 at Papermill Gallery, Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum. The show is an outstanding representation of Art in Canada. From realism to abstraction, and emerging to established; the variety of artwork from across Canada is a rare treat for art lovers and art collectors alike. Earlier in July, I shipped my new work to this exhibition, and am thrilled to see my painting, ‘Balance’ made the cover of the show catalogue. After 50 years of the show, this is the first year an exhibition catalogue was published. The SCA 50th International Open Juried Exhibition Catalogue, Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication ISBN / ISMN 978-1-7750038-3-0 is published by the Society of Canadian Artists, designed by DEL ART and printed by Nova Printing.

50th SCA International Exhibition

This is the first time the painting ‘Balance’ – depicting a polar bear balancing precariously on an iceberg, uplifted by a female hand, has been exhibited to the public. The painting is contemporary, timely, and highly detailed with realistic foreground imagery and more abstract shapes and colours occupying the background of the piece. The piece is part of a new series of paintings, re-imagining landscape painting in Canada. These ‘portraits of the landscape’ are filled with symbolism, and radiate joy with their saturated colour palettes. ‘Balance’ will be on view and available for purchase until August 19th.

50th SCA International Exhibition

Original story and show information here.

Inside the Artist’s Studio

Canadian artists studio Brandy Saturley

Behind the Scenes – Inside the Artist’s Studio

It has been said that inside the artist’s studio “is central to an artist’s myth and the way that we come to understand a work of art and its meaning in society”, though rarely do many have a chance to visit these creative havens where the artist works. They are places typically reserved for artists to create, serious art collectors to view the work privately, and curators to visit and consider works for future art exhibitions.

I recall watching a film, shot in 1949, showing Picasso working in his studio, always ahead of his time, this was the first time many of us had the chance to experience the Artist’s process of creation. In 1965, the next coming of Picasso, as channeled through the famous NYC art star, Andy Warhol, gave the public a peak inside his life and studio unlike any before, recording the most mundane parts of his life, becoming art himself.

Thanks to the Internet, and social media platforms like Instagram & Facebook, many artists have taken to posting photos and video showing behind the scenes snippets from their studios. Not unlike the ‘making of’ and behind the scenes footage from film sets, the fans are fascinated with learning how things are made, it’s a peek behind the velvet curtain, and I don’t think it is going to vanish anytime soon. These sneak peeks inside an artist’s process offer more information about how much work goes into making art. It is sometimes challenging to impart on viewers how much goes on in a professional artist’s studio. The studio contains tools, collected items, memories, materials, and things to set the tone such as music, photographs, books and even films. The studio contains all the materials collected on journeys, mental and physical. All experiences are filtered down to ideas here, and it’s true what they say, that once an Artist falls in love with you that you can never die. The experiences, words, gestures, relationships an Artist has, bleed their way into their art. Here are a few ‘behind the scenes’ photos and a snippet of video – welcome to my office, my haven, welcome to my world.

inside the artist's studio

Behind the scenes: inside the studio of Canadian artist Brandy Saturley

inside the artist's studio

behind the scenes the art studio of Brandy Saturley

inside the artist's studio

Follow along on Instagram @iconiccanuck

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl6cZQrgWfo/

Exhibition Papermill Gallery Toronto

Exhibition Papermill Gallery Toronto: Timely painting depicting a polar bear balancing on an iceberg on display

New artwork by Brandy Saturley will be unveiled by the Society of Canadian Artists (SCA) at the 50th International Juried Art Exhibition at Papermill Gallery in Toronto, Ontario. The show runs July 24 – August 19, 2018 at Papermill Gallery at Todmorden Mills Museum, 69 Pottery Road in Toronto, Canada. The painting depicting a polar bear balancing at the peak of an iceberg, upheld by a human hand is a timely piece that speaks to global warming an the need to preserve what soon could be extinct. The painting is part of a new body of work that Saturley has been developing following her ‘Canadianisms’ exhibitions of 2017.  Join us July 26, 2018 Official Opening and Awards Presentation, Thursday evening 7:00 to 9:30pm.

The painting shows life in balance – the elevation of the spirit through the landscape, and in this case, the Northern landscapes, with icebergs, polar bears and aurora skies. Whether it be Alaska or Newfoundland, these icebergs are precious natural resources. A timely painting as climate change continues to erode the polar bear’s natural habitat.

Papermill Gallery Hours of Operation:
June, July and August: Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m./ Saturday and Sunday: 12 – 5 p.m.

Timely painting depicting a polar bear balancing on an iceberg on display 

UPDATE 2022: this painting is now being offered by Adele Campbel Fine Art in Whistler, BC – more here.

Painting Inspired by Vimy 100

Vimy Jam – A Serendipitous Painting Inspired by Vimy 100

Serendipity is defined as; the phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for, meaning something beautiful coming together, that was not forced or planned in advance that put smiles on the faces of all affected and in doing so alters future events. This is the story behind a painting inspired by Vimy 100 celebrations in France.

In the past few weeks, serendipity found it’s way into my art, through a portrait project I began over four years ago, thanks to a very enthusiastic Canadian.

The People of Canada Portrait Project is a crowd-sourced, collaborative art project, where I ask Canadians to send in photos of themselves and share a bit about their ‘Canadian’ perspective. Initially this project came with a very ambitious goal of completing 20-25 painted portraits for Canada 150. This could have happened had I not been called on to exhibit solo exhibitions in public galleries in Alberta for Canada150. As the project is completely self-funded, and with me being the only artist painting the portraits, I decided to extend my deadline and allow the project to unfold more authentically. I wanted to take my time to paint these portraits and honour the stories of the people who had taken the time to send me creative snapshots of themselves. A new plan emerged and I included one of the portraits in my travelling exhibitions in 2017, and used these shows as an opportunity to spread the word about the project.

Fast forward to June 2018, now ten portraits towards my goal. I had a window of time in my studio schedule, an opportunity to paint more People of Canada portraits. Feeling the energy of Canada Day coming around the corner I looked through the submitted photos and felt a good story, energy, and message emanating from one photo. Submitted by an enthusiastic piper hailing from Sherwood Park Alberta, RCMP Pipes & Drums ambassador Bridgette Hardy-Crytes. The photo features the piper caught by surprise by the brush of eagle feathers to the head by Jeff Ward, an Indigenous performer with the Sons of Membertou, from Cape Breton. The photo was taken at Vimy 100 celebrations in Vimy, France where the two were brought together by the events of the day and their musical talents.Painting Inspired by Vimy

I began to sketch out the painting and think about creating a unique background to capture the day and place. The painting began, I emailed Bridgette to let her know I was working on the piece and that I had some questions for her to answer, I also asked about the man in the photo and if I could contact him for his perspective on the day.

So, here comes the serendipity. Bridgette tracked down Jeff and spoke with him on the phone after not seeing him since Vimy. The call lead to Jeff sharing a video of the day that had been uploaded to YouTube, and Bridgette sharing this information with me, now I was able to enjoy the mood of the day and story behind the photo, as if I had been there myself. What happened that day the photo was taken was an impromptu ‘jam session’ while Indigenous performers and the RCMP Pipes & Drums band were waiting in the wings to perform. Vimy was a pivotal battle which saw Canada and the Allies, including Mi’kmaq soldiers, win an important battle of World War I. This video shows musical artists collaborating, it conveys the spirit of coming together. A coming together on what once was a battlefield, where many lost their lives. A coming together that symbolizes the spirit of reconciliation, likes and not differences, the spirit of love.

The tone of that day was the tone in my studio, and I listened to the ‘jam session’ on loop as I finished the painting. From my studio on Vancouver Island to Sherwood Park, to Cape Breton, to Vimy Ridge in France; thanks to the Internet and technology our miles apart were erased, allowing me to capture the emotion of the day on canvas.

There will be more to this serendipitous story as I work to compile the answers to my questions from both Bridgette and Jeff.

For now, you can enjoy the painting, a little video of my process in creating the painting.

and this fantastic video of the ‘jam session’ that inspired ‘Vimy Jam’.

It was a celebratory Canada 151 indeed! And a great contrast to my experiences painting Canada over the last decade. A new chapter in this serendipitous story influenced by my travels across Canada. For more about the People of Canada Portrait Project visit http://www.peopleofcanada.ca

Buying Art Online is Easy

Buying Art Online is Easy – Buy From The Heart

Choosing a piece of original art can be a daunting process, buying art online is easy and a relatively new experience, it is not painful or difficult. Whether you’re looking for a painting to suit a small or larger space here are some things to consider:

Create a budget. Establish your ‘ideal’ budget for a new artwork, and then add a little more for wiggle room. Why? You may find that next masterpiece is a tiny bit over your planned budget and if your budget is inflexible, you could always negotiate with the artist. There are many ways I accommodate my buyers requests, it may be free shipping, it could be a discount on multiple works, or it could be a financing plan to help assist you with buying the art you want, while paying for it over a time period that suits your budget. (Current pricing on artwork from Brandy Saturley)

Know your space. Knowing the dimensions of the intended wall space where your new artwork will hang, will help you narrow down your selection. If you have a theme, particular taste or colour palette, complement it. And by complement, we don’t mean matching the room perfectly — if your intention is to create a room that features bold, statement pieces, you might like to choose artworks that stand-out against the interior. If your intention is to buy a piece that reflects your personal style, tastes, and loves – selecting art becomes an extension of you, it is your way to be a collaborator in the creative process that reflects your personality – the art you choose becomes an extension of YOU. (Art Collector Homes – Inside A Contemporary West Coast Home)

Communicate with the artist. Our lives are a collection of memories, experiences and stories. You have your eye on an artwork, but would like to know the inspiration behind it, reaching out to the artist will help in painting a fuller picture of the piece and in turn develop your appreciation for the piece. Communicating with the artist will give you a whole new understanding of the piece, the intricacies of the creation, and the backstory of the work behind a piece of fine art. (A Day in The Life – documenting the creative process)

The only rule in buying art, buy what you love. Buying art is a very personal thing. If you connect with a certain painting, it will represent more than just a painting hanging on a wall; the art you choose is an expression of who you are. If you find an artwork that speaks to you, BUY IT. Fear of missing out can be an awful feeling.

Testimonials are another way to instill confidence that you are buying from a reputable gallery or independent artist, these references offer some idea of what your collecting experience will be like as a buyer. (Appreciation From Art Collectors)

If you LOVE it, if you ABSOLUTELY have to have it, then BUY it, you will never be disappointed when you buy something you LOVE.

All that is left to do now, is start shopping!  Happy art hunting.

 

Art Collector Homes

Art Collector Homes: Custom Home on Vancouver Island.

Art collector homes – a look inside a contemporary west coast home. Serious Art lovers design their homes around their art collections, some opt to hire an architect or designer to assist in creating their dream homes to put their art center stage. Some people simply have a great eye for art and design, and when the two combine, something magical is created. Recently this one of a kind custom home by award winning designer Wil Peereboom, a Vancouver Island dream home, went up for sale on the real estate market here in Victoria, BC.

A stunning three story contemporary home built Oceanside with views framed by the coastal forest including towering Douglas Fir and Yellow Cedar. Featuring lovingly collected mid-century modern furnishings and Scandinavian design, this eclectic contemporary home incorporates natural and modern textures and finishes including concrete. This home features seven paintings by Victoria based Canadian artist, Brandy Saturley and was listed with Victoria based Realtor, Matt Loken. UPDATE: this home is now sold.

Below are a few photos of the paintings featured in this collectors home, created by Brandy Saturley.

art collector homes

art collector homes

In this art collector’s home you will see a variety of paintings. Including landscapes and figurative works inspired by the artist’s hikes in and around areas on Vancouver Island. This home also features paintings of the rocky mountains of Alberta. See more paintings by this Canadian artist now.

IOC Trophy Sport Art

The IOC Trophy for Sport Art, shortlisted painting about hockey.

TORONTO, ON April 2015 – This week we received news from the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) that the painting, ‘Goalie’s Mask: red, white & Dryden’, by Canadian visual artist and painter, Brandy Saturley, has been shortlisted for the 2014 IOC Trophy in Sport and Art.

Another accolade for a painting that launched a new body of work titled, #ICONICCANUCK, in 2010, and later was exhibited as part of retrospective exhibitions, ‘Canadianisms’ in 2017 celebrating Canada150. The Goalie’s Mask painting continues to ignite interest and engage viewers in passionate discussion about Olympic hockey, Dryden, Habs and Canada. From The Glenbow Museum Lobby in Calgary, to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, from Gallery @501 in Sherwood Park, Alberta, to Okotoks Art Gallery in, Calgary, Alberta. This iconic and important painting has been included in numerous exhibitions across Canada including; Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto. The painting has been featured across the web, from art publications like Galleries West Magazine, Montreal Canadiens Instagram, to on-line Habs communities including AllHabs Magazine.

The Goalie’s Mask Painting – shortlisted for the Olympic Trophy in Sport & Art 2014

An homage to Canada, hockey, Habs, goaltenders and the American painter, Georgia O’ Keeffe; the painting has touched many and enjoyed accolades and a range of polarizing feedback from art lovers and hockey lovers alike. Bridging a gap between sport and art and bringing together two communities, often at odds over funding.

“The annual International Olympic Committee (IOC) Trophy was established in 1985 to promote the teaching of Olympism in various areas. For 2014 the IOC intends to reward artistic expression. With the Canadian trophy, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) wishes to recognise artists and creators who, through their talent, have promoted Olympism and left a legacy through art.” ~ Olympic.ca

Olympism is defined by the IOC as follows:

“Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.”

As accolades and press pile up, the value of the original piece has increased considerably over the past decade. With the continued building of interest and fascination in the painting, the artist suggests it may now be time to offer this important Canadian painting for sale. Update 2021: learn more about this painting.

IOC Trophy Sport Art

Life of An Artist

A Day in The Life of An Artist: documenting the creative process

Life of an artist

An artists diary – inside the studio of Brandy Saturley

At the end of the work day, I take whatever paint I have left on my palette and I use it to make a small abstract painting on a torn out page of high-gloss magazine paper. I think I began this ritual about five years ago and it shows a day in the life of an Artist. I found that it gave me a time at the end of the day to break concentration and freely create something loose and immediate, a mental stretch of sorts to end a day of highly concentrated painting. Instead of scraping the paint off my palette and saving it, something that is very hard to do with acrylic paints, the leftover paint was helping to birth a new creation. Each page has come to represent a ‘day in the life’ of a painting, a painting diary of sorts. These 8×10 abstract paintings were forming a diary and a dialogue about working as a painter. Over the years I have saved thousands of these pages, most survived, not all as some became stuck to one another and i was unable to save them, and some I cut into shapes that I am certain will be used in future paintings, perhaps paintings with collage elements worked into the composition. A painting diary is a wonderful thing, it offers a record of my palette over the past few years, painting swatches if you will, a journal of colours.

From Vincent Van Gogh to Georgia O’ Keeffe, keeping a diary, or journal,  has always been a crucial part of the artist’s life. For some, it helps formulate a better conceptual understanding of works created through sometimes intuitive processes. For others, it can be a reference for future art making. Whether a detailed written journal like that of Van Gogh, or a more visual diary of sketches, studies and even colour swatches, journals are a necessary part of the creative process and provide fuel for future discovery.

I recently gathered most of my ‘abstract palette pages’ and arranged them for a photo shoot in my studio. I spread the pages from floor to ceiling, running up my studio walls, integrating them with paintings in progress, the result is a vivid and energetic environment. How I imagine the inside of my mind looks at any given time. These photos show a glimpse inside my creative process, which heavily relies on intuition these days. A peek inside the artists’ process. 

The Artists’ Diary – in the studio of Brandy Saturley

Behind the scenes – in the studio of Brandy Saturley

life of an artist

Photo Shoot – in the studio of Brandy Saturley – image courtesy the artist

Photo Shoot – in the studio of Brandy Saturley – image courtesy the artist

Life of An Artist

Photo Shoot – in the studio of Brandy Saturley – image courtesy the artist

Re-framing landscape painting

Portrait of A Landscape: re-framing landscape painting

Being a Canadian artist means you grow up with the images of Canada as painted by the Group of Seven. Lawren Harris began re-framing landscape painting in Canadian Art, and Georgia O’ Keeffe treated the landscape similarly in her work depicting landscapes. As a contemporary Canadian Artist paintings landscapes, I find myself influenced by these two painters as I re-frame the landscapes of Canada as portraits and using symbolism and figurative elements.

Throughout the history of art, landscape painting has been a dominant genre. It has served as a medium for artists to capture the beauty of nature and to express their emotions and ideas. However, in the works of Lawren Harris, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Brandy Saturley, we see a re-framing of traditional landscape painting. These painters have taken a new approach to depicting the natural world, one that emphasizes the abstract, the spiritual, and the personal. In this blog post, we will explore the works of these three artists and how they have transformed landscape painting.

Re-framing landscape painting: Lawren Harris geometric landscapes

landscape painting in canada

Mountain Forms, 1926, Lawren Harris

Lawren Harris was a Canadian painter who was a member of the Group of Seven, a group of artists who sought to create a distinctly Canadian art. Harris’s paintings often depict the rugged and wild landscape of the Canadian Shield, but they do so in a way that emphasizes the abstract and the spiritual. Harris’s paintings are characterized by their use of bold colors, geometric shapes, and simplified forms. He sought to capture the essence of the landscape, rather than its physical appearance.

In Harris’s painting “Mountains, North Shore, Lake Superior” (1926), we see the mountains reduced to geometric forms. The colors are bold and intense, with the blues and greens of the mountains contrasting with the warm oranges and yellows of the sky. The painting is not a realistic depiction of the landscape, but rather a representation of its spiritual essence.

Harris’s approach to landscape painting was influenced by his interest in Theosophy, a spiritual movement that sought to reconcile science and religion. Harris believed that through his paintings, he could capture the spiritual essence of the landscape and communicate it to others.

landscape painting in canada

North Shore Lake Superior, 1926, Lawren Harris

The Personal Landscapes of Georgia O’Keeffe

Lake George New York, 1926, Georgia O’Keeffe

Georgia O’Keeffe was an American painter who is best known for her large-scale paintings of flowers, but she also created many paintings of the desert landscape of New Mexico. O’Keeffe’s paintings of the desert landscape are characterized by their bold colors, simplified forms, and attention to detail. Her paintings are not realistic depictions of the landscape, but rather expressions of her personal relationship with it.

In O’Keeffe’s painting “Black Place III” (1944), we see the desert landscape reduced to its most essential elements. The painting is dominated by a large black form that occupies most of the canvas. This form is not a realistic depiction of any particular feature of the landscape, but rather a representation of its essence. The colors are bold and intense, with the black form contrasting with the warm oranges and yellows of the sky.

O’Keeffe’s approach to landscape painting was influenced by her interest in the psychology of perception. She believed that by simplifying the forms and colors of the landscape, she could create paintings that were more expressive of her personal experience of it.

Pelvis with Distance, 1943, Georgia O’Keeffe

Brandy Saturley: dynamic, expressive, and deeply personal, reflecting her own experiences and perspectives as a Canadian artist.

Canadian landscape painting

Brandy Saturley is a contemporary Canadian painter who creates paintings that are inspired by the landscape and culture of Canada. Saturley’s paintings are characterized by their bright colors, simplified forms, and attention to detail. Her paintings are not realistic depictions of the landscape, but rather expressions of her personal relationship with it.

In Saturley’s painting “Balance” (2017), we see a depiction of life perched upon a platter and uplifted by a human hand. The artist suggests the elevation of the spirit through the landscape, and in this case an iceberg with a lone polar bear balanced on the peak.  Idealized aurora skies and a background of bold shapes and colours.  This piece was presented at the Society of Canadian Artists 50th Anniversary exhibition in Toronto in 2019. The painting graced the cover of the exhibition catalogue, now on file with the National Gallery of Canada, library and archives. The painting is not a realistic depiction of any particular landscape, but rather a representation of the energy and spirit of the Canadian north. The colors are bright and intense, with the white polar bear contrasting with the cool blues, magenta and yellow of the aurora.

Saturley’s approach to landscape painting is influenced by her interest in the culture and mythology of Canada. She believes that by using figurative elements, simplified forms and bright colors, she can create paintings that capture the energy and spirit of the landscape.

landscape painting canada

Brandy Saturley talks about how these landscape painters have influenced her paintings

Whether the landscapes, forests and farms of southern Ontario as painted by A.J. Casson, or  A.Y. Jackson’s Georgian Bay, the grandeur of the rocky mountains as imagined by Lawren Harris, or the raw beauty and Autumn hues of Algonquin park as depicted by the People’s artist, Tom Thomson. The Group of Seven burnished the idea of the Canadian landscape onto our brains, seeping deep into our hearts. I was always drawn to the icy blue palette, idealized forms and light captured in the paintings of Lawren Harris. I was always particularly drawn to his paintings of mountains.

As a Canadian painter looking to create my own distinct artist voice on canvas I began to study the works of the world renowned American painter, Georgia O’Keeffe.

Famous for her depictions of New Mexico landscapes and still life of flowers and skulls, I began to find similarities between the mountain paintings of Harris and the landscape paintings of O’Keeffe. Both with their precisionist style, idealized forms, and feminine palettes; my affinity for the works of these two painters is leading me down a new path of re-framing the Canadian landscape in painting.

A landscape as it is, is something to be appreciated, perhaps captured on camera, but nature is perfection and it has never been my interest to paint the landscape as it appears. I am drawn to the details found within the landscape, the story of the landscape is what interests me most, and it is the story I endeavor to tell on canvas. Our connection to the Earth and to nature, this is something I feel in my bones and want to express on canvas.

With this new series of paintings inspired by the landscape I am taking distinct elements of the landscape, symbols of the land and nature that surrounds and re-framing the elements on canvas, in portrait orientation.

I began 2018 having just returned home form a trip to Maui, Hawaii where I enjoyed the rainforest, landscapes and tracing Georgia O’Keeffe’s footsteps on the island. The first painting of 2018 is an homage to O’Keeffe and inspired by Maui and the Iao Valley.

Re-framing landscape painting

I guess you could say I am building contemporary portraits of the landscape, and I am excited to see what comes next.

Sincerely Yours,

Brandy Saturley

Canadian Art in Kelowna

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ART AND THE CITY – Kelowna Offers Canadian Art Lovers An Eclectic Mix

Canadian Art in Kelowna

With Sopa Fine Arts dealer, Deborah Boileau (Brandy Saturley)

Family Day weekend found me in the beautiful Okanagan Valley and specifically the city of Kelowna. Known for it’s orchards, wine, ski hills and tremendous Okanagan Lake; there is a great variety of Canadian Art to see in Kelowna, British Columbia.

My visit began in the South Pandosy neighborhood, a funky and fashionable neighborhood hosting unique and eclectic art galleries, vintage, interior design and décor, and high-end fashion.

My first Art Gallery stop at Sopa Fine Arts. A gallery I have exhibited with, this is a gem in the Kelowna art scene. Located in the South Pandosy (or SoPa) neighborhood of Kelowna, BC, Sopa Fine Arts is a contemporary fine art gallery specializing in original art work by leading international and mid career artists, and a selection of talented emerging Canadian artists. The gallery with it’s New York edge, rustic wood and long white walls; presents large format paintings, sculpture and a variety of abstract contemporary art. The gallery is a refuge and place of solitude to enjoy the art in a welcoming environment, that appeals to new collectors as much as it does to the seasoned collector.

My next Art stop was at the Kelowna Art Gallery in downtown Kelowna near the Kelowna Yacht Club and lakeside skating rink this time of year. Another haven of art; the Kelowna Art Gallery is one of my favourite smaller public art galleries in Canada. I have visited public galleries across Canada over the past decade and the KAG is one of the best for it’s size, always presenting a mix of student to established Canadian artists in their four gallery spaces, including a courtyard space for installation art.

Currently at the KAG:

Joice M. Hall: Sacred Sights Gwaii Haanas at Kelowna Art Gallery

Joice M. Hall GWAII HAANAS – Islands and Sacred Sites

A painting installation inspired by 1600 digital photographs taken during a two-week artist residency in Haida Gwaii in 2016. The 18-foot installation is a panoramic landscape celebrating ocean, forest, and marine life inspired by her residency in Gwaii Haanas, guided by Parks Canada resource officers.

Gary Pearson: Short Fictions

Short Fictions presents the fascinating evolution of Kelowna painter Gary Pearson’s career over the decades that he has worked as a professional artist. The Kelowna-based artist works largely in painting and drawing, with a strong graphic sensibility and a stark, spare, linear style. The exhibition encompasses large format paintings, watercolour studies, drawings and video.

Gary Pearson: Short Fictions at Kelowna Art Gallery

I always enjoy exploring cities and taking in the art offerings from both public and private galleries. My Art and The City diaries began about 5 years ago after I decided that I should do more than take photos and paint on these trips. I began writing down my thoughts about these galleries and places across North America. I have visited public galleries across Canada from the smallest northern towns such as Yellowknife, to the metropolis of Toronto. I realize now that these trips have created a visual database of the Arts across North America and specifically Canada. With this vast perspective on what Canadian Art is, from community Arts to auction houses, public art galleries to the commercial big business of contemporary art in Canada; I feel very fortunate as a Canadian Visual Artist to have gained such a broad perspective and understanding of Art in Canada.  There is much great art in Canada, and much more than just landscape painting for those who venture beyond their local commercial gallery. Collecting great art begins with building your taste profile, what better way to do this than to get out and enjoy art of all kinds. Happy Art hunting! ~ Brandy Saturley