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Celebrating the Contributions of Women Painters

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is a day to celebrate women’s achievements and reflect on the progress that still needs to be made towards gender equality. One area where women have historically faced barriers is in the world of art, where male artists have often been more celebrated and recognized. However, there have been many talented women painters throughout history who have made significant contributions to the world of art. In this post, we will highlight some of the women painters we should know about.

Women Painters to know

Let Your Backbone Rise, Acrylic painting, 2016 Brandy Saturley

  1. Frida Kahlo – Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist known for her self-portraits and surrealism. Her work explored themes of identity, gender, and class, and she is regarded as one of Mexico’s greatest painters.
  2. Mary Cassatt – Mary Cassatt was an American painter known for her depictions of the lives of women and children. She was one of the few female Impressionists and her work often depicted intimate moments of everyday life.
  3. Artemisia Gentileschi – Artemisia Gentileschi was an Italian Baroque painter who is best known for her depictions of strong and powerful women from mythology and the Bible. Her work challenged the male-dominated art world of the time.
  4. Georgia O’Keeffe – Georgia O’Keeffe was an American painter known for her vibrant depictions of flowers, landscapes, and bones. Her work was often considered feminist for its focus on women’s bodies and sexuality.
  5. Yayoi Kusama – Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist known for her polka-dot and infinity room installations. Her work explores themes of identity, femininity, and the relationship between the individual and the universe.
  6. Leonora Carrington – Leonora Carrington was a British-born Mexican artist known for her surrealist paintings and sculptures. Her work often featured hybrid creatures and explored themes of transformation and the unconscious.
  7. Berthe Morisot – Berthe Morisot was a French Impressionist painter and one of the few female members of the Impressionist movement. Her work often depicted scenes of domestic life and women’s daily routines.
  8. Alice Neel – Alice Neel was an American painter known for her portraits, particularly of people living in poverty and those from marginalized communities. Her work challenged the norms of portraiture and the portrayal of the human form.
  9. Tamara de Lempicka – Tamara de Lempicka was a Polish Art Deco painter known for her portraits of wealthy and glamorous women. Her work was often sexually suggestive and challenged traditional notions of femininity.
  10. Prudence Heward was a Canadian figure painter, known for using acidic colour, a sculptural treatment, and giving an intense brooding quality to her subjects. One of the Beaver Hall Group of painters, she was also a charter member of the Canadian Group of Painters, the Contemporary Arts Society and the Federation of Canadian Artists.

Personally, the portraiture and landscape paintings of O’Keeffe, Lempicka and Heward have made significant impressions on my work as an artist, including this homage to the famous painting, ‘Saint Moritz’ by Lempicka.

Women Painters to know

Saint Kanata, Acrylic painting, 48 x 36 x 1.5 in, 2011, Brandy Saturley

These are just a few of the many talented women painters who have made significant contributions to the world of art. On International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the achievements of women artists throughout history and continue to support and uplift the voices of women in the arts.

Art Celebrating Polar Bears on International Polar Bear Day

International Polar Bear Day is celebrated every year on February 27th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of polar bears and the impact of climate change on their habitat. Polar bears are one of the most iconic species of the Arctic and are often the animal used to represent climate change. The art that follows celebrates this magnificent Arctic beast and the significance of International Polar Bear Day and the changing landscapes the bear roams.

Art Celebrating Polar Bears

Wanderlust, acrylic and gouache, 36 x 60 x 1.5 in (91.44 x 152.4 x 3.81 cm) Brandy Saturley

Polar bears are found in the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and the United States. They are the largest land carnivore and are perfectly adapted to life in the Arctic. Polar bears have a thick layer of fat and a dense coat of fur that keeps them warm in the extreme cold. They are excellent swimmers and can swim for long distances in search of food. Polar bears primarily feed on seals and depend on sea ice for hunting. However, due to climate change, sea ice is melting at an alarming rate, which is causing a decline in the polar bear population.

polar bear paintings

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

Climate change is the biggest threat faced by polar bears. The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world, which is causing the sea ice to shrink. As the sea ice melts, polar bears are losing their habitat and food source. Polar bears are also affected by other human activities, such as hunting, pollution, and oil and gas development. These activities further exacerbate the impact of climate change on polar bears.

Art Celebrating Polar Bears

The Polar Bear began appearing in the paintings of Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley as early as 2014. Saturley’s first polar bear painting featured a young blonde girl, wearing a POOK meeting a polar bear face-to-face over a crack in the arctic ice. The painting titled, ‘Face-Off’, would tell the visual storyteller of curiosity between child and bear and hint at the changing landscape Arctic home of the polar bears.

polar bear paintings

Face Off, Acrylic on canvas painting,36 x 48 x 1.5 in, (91.44 x 121.92 x 3.81 cm, Brandy Saturley

Over the years the Canadian painters’ artworks have come to address the plight of the polar bears in playful ways, creating bold visual stories on canvas. Asking the question, ‘What if polar bears went on road trips to find new homes and adapt to new areas of Canada?’ Her recent works feature the polar bears riding on JEEP’s and even canoes portaged by humans.

Art Celebrating Polar Bears

Queen of The Polar Bears, Acrylic painting On Canvas, 36 x 48 x 1.5 in, (91.44 x 121.92 x 3.81 cm), Brandy Saturley

International Polar Bear Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the plight of polar bears and the need for conservation efforts. It is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting the environment and reducing our carbon footprint. By taking simple steps such as reducing energy consumption, recycling, and using public transportation, we can all contribute to the fight against climate change.

Art Celebrating Polar Bears

When Polar Bears Fly, Acrylic painting On Canvas, 30 x 48 x 1.5 in, (76.2 x 121.92 x 3.81 cm), Brandy Saturley

In conclusion, International Polar Bear Day is an important day to remember the importance of protecting our environment and the impact of climate change on wildlife. It is a call to action to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the habitats of these magnificent animals. We must all work together to ensure a sustainable future for polar bears and the planet.

Polar Bear Art

Balance, Acrylic painting on canvas, 48 x 36 x 1.5 in, (121.92 x 91.44 x 3.81 cm), Brandy Saturley

Polar Bear Paintings

I Am The Polar Bear acrylic, gouache, gold leaf 24 x 12 x 1.5 in (60.96 x 30.48 x 3.81 cm) Brandy Saturley

Canadian Painters Brandy Saturley

The Conversation acrylic, gouache, gold leaf 48 x 48 x 1.5 in (121.92 x 121.92 x 3.81 cm) Brandy Saturley

See more of Saturley’s Polar Bear Paintings here.

By Centuries: Artist’s Ahead of Their Time

There are numerous articles and books that talk about Artist’s ahead of their time. Perhaps the most famous painter described as being ahead of their time is Van Gogh. Over the centuries there have been many, who were painting about the culture of the time and their thoughts. So while they were painting what they were living, they were in many ways addressing internal thoughts about the future.

As I continue to explore themes about contemporary Canadian culture and my journey as a Canadian Artist, I find myself intuitively addressing questions that are currently on my mind, through my art. Right now I find myself on a path of painting figurative works about Canada, set against vivid backdrops of shadow, light and saturated colour. With my first few paintings this year, I find myself romanced by outdoor skating on frozen ponds and lakes. I am listening to a soundtrack filled with poetic lyrics that project images of joy and appreciation for life. These sounds are colourful, haunting and even romantic. From Joni Mitchell looking for a river to skate away on, to the Tragically Hip who are ahead by a century, the soundtrack flowing in the studio is important to the flow of my paintbrush.

My hope in posting this article is to share a little behind the scenes experience into how I work in the studio and how this new painting came to live. I carry a large cotton duck canvas of five feet high by four feet wide down to my studio and I begin to sketch out the idea I’ve been developing. A painting about two women, becoming one. One Inuit woman wrapped in a Hudson’s Bay Eight Point Scarlett blanket, and one Caucasian woman wearing a red parka with furry white trim. The backdrop will be Northern Lights (aurora borealis) and the night sky filled with stars, some shooting and some larger than life. One woman with the ear of a wolf and one the antler of a stag deer. Together these two women will appear to be shapeshifting and becoming one under the Aurora night sky. It is a magical, spiritual and futuristic story about friendship and common ground. This painting tells stories of how life should be for all Canadians, and this painting speaks of sisterhood and equality.

While I begin with an initial rough sketch on canvas, I move on quickly to laying down an underpainting through colour blocking in neon hues.

Ahead of Their Time

My palette becomes a furious abstract painting and evidence of an artist busy painting.

Once I have laid down all the underlying colours I move on to painting out the background, blending on the canvas as I go and this leads me to a question, do I want more texture in this painting? and the answer is, yes.

Ahead of Their Time

After the first few days I take the canvas and lay it flat on my studio floor, I begin applying dots of paint through pouring paint in a loose pattern to the background sky of the piece, then the piece has to dry overnight and harden before I can begin the second day of painting. I do this numerous times, and create dots of varying sizes, each by hand, painting over each layer as I work.

I move the painting to my crank easel so that I can work more finely on details in the lower portion of the canvas, thankfully I have numerous easels and lots of space in my studio so that I can work on this canvas from multiple vantage points and orientations.

Ahead of Their Time

Detailing the hair and face in this painting, because my style of working is very much influenced by realism but also pop art. An idealized portrait, and some might refer to it as magic realism. I refer to my style as ‘Canadian Pop Realism’.

Ahead of Their Time

Once the details are done and I feel like the journey of this painting has come to an end, I sit back and take long looks at the piece, contemplating it’s story and overall balance. There has to be ‘a flow’ in the composition, the eye must move around and then land somewhere in the centre of those faces, they are the focal point of this piece.

Once I am finished the front of the painting, the edges get their treatment of texture and colour to compliment the piece.

Ahead of Their Time

Ahead by Centuries, acrylic and gouache on canvas, 60″h x 48″ w, 2023, Brandy Saturley

A painting that perhaps in it’s time, may be ahead of it’s time. See more visual stories on canvas by Brandy Saturley here.

The Romance of Ice and Snow – Outdoor Ice Skating Paintings

Across Canada winter is a time for lacing up your skates and heading out onto the ice. Naturally this would lead me down a path of exploring outdoor ice skating paintings on canvas. For some it may be a frozen lake in the Rocky Mountains, for some it may be a farmer’s field or park that is flooded with water during the freeze. For some it may be skating down the Rideau Canal in Ottawa or in a park in Quebec. If you grew up in Canada, you know how most the of the country celebrates winter, on ice.

Early in 2021, I painted two pieces about playing hockey outdoors on fields frozen over and lakes at the base of the rocky mountains. These paintings were telling visual stories about the discovery of winter pastimes on skates in Canada. Expressing the love for skating outdoors in the Winter. Shortly after these pieces were completed I moved on to paintings of figure skaters on a frozen Lake Louise in Banff National Park. There is something romantic about these rocky mountain locations in Winter, with frozen glacial hues of teal and undertones of Payne’s Grey, the ice crystals reflecting a myriad of pastel colours from magenta to yellow. Winter is magical in Canada and romantic as we bundle in our Hudson’s Bay blankets and parkas and sit by outdoor fires. The whole landscape is aglow, day and night.

To begin 2023, I again find myself romanced by icy landscapes and skating outdoors, this time the skaters are like most of us, enjoying a skate around a lake or playing on the ice. These new paintings tell stories that celebrate Winter.

Angel of Snow & Ice – Skating on an outdoor pond, a young girl in a yellow parka is found making a snow angel on the ice. A textured piece, a portrait on an abstract background.

Outdoor Ice Skating Paintings

Original acrylic painting on canvas, 36×48, 2023, Brandy Saturley

Glide Away – A group of people skating on a frozen pond, snowy hills and treelined in the distance. Their shadows seem to be gliding away from them as the afternoon sun goes down.

Outdoor Ice Skating Paintings

Original acrylic painting on canvas, 36×48, 2023, Brandy Saturley

See more recent original paintings by Brandy Saturley.

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.

The Best Paintings of 2022 Voted by You, Artwork Of The Year.

Thirty-four original acrylic paintings on canvas, that is how many new works I created in 2022. We narrowed this down to four paintings that we thought were the best this year, and then asked you to narrow it down to one painting, selecting Artwork of The Year for 2022. In a year that included contemporary pop realism paintings of canoes on lakes, polar bears, elk, snowy landscapes and people enjoying many different outdoor activities, the stories I was writing on canvas emitted a joy and love for life. These paintings were filled with wonder and a lust for wandering. Some moments influenced by Canadian popular culture and some by the experiences I was having during my travels of the year. There was a nod to The Queen and Nanaimo Bars. Solidarity with Ukraine and the strength and spirit of men and women. I played with creating in place at the Banff Centre and in Maui, Hawaii. In my Victoria BC studio, I was dreaming up narrative’s about my past and future journeys.

Here are four paintings we narrowed the year down to, telling visual stories on canvas. Listed in order of votes received, the number one painting of 2022 as voted by you, is Dreaming Under Northern Lights.

1. Dreaming Under Northern Lights
Artwork of the year

Crisp northern air, standing under the aurora borealis. A girl in a fur trimmed parka gazes up at the northern sky and watches the dance of light. Dreaming under the night sky and the magical dance of the Northern lights. 

2. Golden Hour in the Heart of Canoeland
Artwork of the year

Two scarlet red canoes meet at sunset, on a lake in Canada. In the distance two snow peaked mountain ranges, and a swoosh of clouds. The tree line bordering the lake sparkles with shades of emerald and lime green. Reflections on a perfect moment shared in nature. Perhaps a skinny dip? where are those canoe lovers.

3. Ukraine Strong
Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley

Portrait of the artist in Ukrainian headdress, honouring her heritage and in support of Ukraine. She wears a blue collar flannel of red and black check, the quintessential Canadian business shirt. A Canadian Ukrainian with a pysanka egg of Ukraine flag yellow and blue resting between bicep and forearm. Against a background of wheat fields and blue sky.

4. Vermillion Canoes
artwork of the year

In the land of Vermillion Lakes, with mount Rundle with it’s distinctive slope outline in the distance. Two red canoes sit at sunset, the owners not to be seen. Perhaps an evening skinny dip or picnic. Filled with hues on sunset from red to orange and pink, a grassy fringe in the foreground frames the piece. Clouds like short brushstrokes sweep the sky. A piece meant for a large feature wall, it measures 3×5 feet. In a series that includes Sunset in the Heart of Canoeland, created in March 2022.

Thank you for reading and voting! See all the paintings Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley made in 2022.

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.

 

12 SMALL WORKS SALE: Banff Paintings for Collecting

In November 2022, I spent two weeks painting at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. During my time in Banff I had some days to explore Banff National Park and capture photos and videos of awe-inspiring locations in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. From Banff Centre campus to Lake Minnewanka, Bow Lake, Vermillion Lakes, and North Saskatchewan River crossing I covered some ground. Banff paintings for collecting: these 12 small works of art are for sale and make an excellent opportunity to become a collector of the artworks of Brandy Saturley, small paintings to begin a collection, gift to a client or friend and even fill out an existing collection of Canadian Art. These paintings tell stories of Banff in the details, from the wildlife to the mountains, trees, lakes and snow, these are my interpretations of Banff in Winter.

Banff Paintings for Collecting

12 small paintings about Banff from Brandy Saturley

Banff Paintings for Collecting

Side view – paintings all have red edges, distinctly Canadian palettes

Banff Paintings for Collecting

A favourite piece in the Banff small paintings series – Snowbear, 12×12, acrylic on canvas, 2022

The beauty is mesmerizing in the Winter in Banff. Part magical wonderland and part natural wonder, it is a feast for the eyes that touches the soul. The palette of colours ranges from Ultramarine to teal blue-green, with light setting ice crystals ablaze throwing soft pastel hues across the landscapes. These 12 small paintings offer a starting point for larger works that will capture the magical stories contained within these locations.

Featuring locations within Banff National Park, these Canadian landscape paintings are small treasures. It is not often I paint small works, and this offers an opportunity for a whole new group of art collectors access to my work. These paintings are for landscape lovers, mountain lovers, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Little gems from the North.

These 12 small paintings are now available to collect, view the collection now. 

Interview: Talking with Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity

In November 2022, Victoria, BC artist Brandy Saturley spent 12 days making art in a Leighton Studios residency (recipient of the Paul D. Fleck Fellowships in the Arts Endowment) at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. In an interview with the Banff Centre Social Media Marketing Officer she spoke about about her project and artist process.

Interview Banff Centre

Thom Studio, Banff Centre Leighton Studios

Why did you join us for this residency? In my practice I find that it is important to leave your usual routine and studio behind and seek out new locations to create work in new environments and in new ways. This type of residency keeps the work fresh and challenges my ability to be flexible as an artist. I also had the Banff Centre on my list of places I hoped to do a residency and I am thrilled it finally came together.

What do you love about your art form? I love painting because it is such a fluid and immediate medium. My goal for this residency was to paint a very large piece and make full use of the ceiling height, light and expanse of the wall in my studio. My way of making art begins with capturing the experience of a place through the mediums of photography, video, and writing. I then take all these things and lay out the blueprint for the painting. Aided by music, I find the mood of the piece and being laying down paint on the canvas. All influenced by my time in a place and my journey of getting to the place. My paintings are about the journey and the things I see, hear, feel, taste and touch along the way and in the place where I am making the art. In this case I arrived on a very snowy day, walking through a white out sky and forest to my studio. I could hear squirrels, birds and captured stag and deer resting outside my door. On the second day of my residency the light broke through and the skylights began to clear of snow. The light began to filter through the trees and my windows. This all informed the work that was created while on campus.

Interview Banff Centre

Brandy Saturley, with paintings in progress at Banff Centre – Photo by Kyla Jacobs

What should people know about your artistic medium that may not be common knowledge? My medium of paint and specifically acrylic paint is that it is the most versatile painting medium on the planet. Acrylic paint of today can be applied and reapplied, it can be layered and blended like oils and can be fluid, feathered and stain the canvas like watercolours. It can be laid out to dry on my glass palette and left to dry, and then peeled off like plastic wrap and then adhered to the canvas. I mix my acrylics with retarder if I am looking for it to dry more slowly like an oil, but I like that the medium dries more quickly than oil which allows me to move on at a pace that suits my personality.

Interview Banff Centre

Brandy Saturley painting in her studio at Banff Centre – Photo by Kyla Jacobs

What has your time with your Banff Centre residency been like, and/or, what specifically did you focus on during your time? In short, invigorating, uplifting and prolific. It was a regenerative experience that was welcomed after the past two years under COVID. I focused on creating in place, letting the experience direct the work. I like to challenge myself with every new painting, sometimes that means going in without a concrete plan, which is what I did in this case. It can be scary to arrive in a new place, and create purely on site, but thankfully I am experienced and prepared and brought everything I would need to rely on my daily schedule and practice, so that I could put all my faith in the experience of the place. I focused on creating a very large diptych on canvas. I also focused on gathering imagery and information to fuel an entire series of paintings based on my time at the Banff Centre. I will also produce a timelapse video of the creation of the painting, as well as a video of the entire experience of my journey. Another goal of my time in Banff was to access local art community and have signed on with Willock and Sax gallery because of my time at Banff Centre. Perhaps a future showing of the entire body of work and films with the Walter Phillips Gallery or Whyte Museum, that is the next goal.

Canadian Painter Brandy Saturley

Paintings by Brandy Saturley – Photo by Kyla Jacobs for Banff Centre

What’s next for you on your artistic journey after this program? Continued development and work on this series I have begun at Banff Centre. I have work in a group show at Adele Campbell Fine Art in Whistler in December, I have four paintings on view with Willock and Sax in Banff, I have a large portrait commission I have been working on for a client from Calgary, and I am looking for the next location to do a residency. Perhaps the east coast of Canada this time, time will tell.

Brandy Saturley Banff Centre

Brandy Saturley in front of Thom Studio at Banff Centre – photo Kyla Jacobs

Since doing this interview Brandy Saturley has been awarded a residency on the East Coast of Canada, in Newfoundland, through the Pouch Cove Foundation. The Canadian artist will be dedicating the month of October 2023 to this east coast residency.

Interview - Banff Centre

Artist Residency Pouch Cove – Making Art in Newfoundland

On the heels of a residency at The Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, I am pleased to share I will be making art in Newfoundland in October 2023. The Board of Directors of the Pouch Cove Foundation awarded me a residency at the Foundation’s facilities in Newfoundland for the month of October. One of many beautiful things about this opportunity is it will allow me to fill in the gaps in a body of work I have been creating about Canada for more than a decade now. I have been on a journey across Canada looking to understand my land and what it truly means to be ‘Canadian’. My paintings are part biography and part storytelling. I am painting about my experiences and what I see, touch, taste, feel and hear, and I am also painting stories of these travels in Canada. What informed my work began with ‘popular culture’ and stereotype. Over the years I became more interested in ‘authentic experiences’ and I began to travel to gain a true understanding of the collective Canadian consciousness, and in returning home to Vancouver Island, a better understanding of the culture in which I was raised.

Making Art in Newfoundland

Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, Canada

Originally a fishing community, Pouch Cove is now principally a dormitory town for people working in the city and home to a large retirement population. It is at the northern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the eastern edge of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a town whose motto is, ‘first to see the sun’, as it is the first place that wakes up each morning in Canada. As a Canadian living at the western-most point in Canada, and the last to see the sun, I am excited to delve into the differences and perhaps, similarities, found on both coasts of Canada. Having spent time in Yellowknife, NWT during midnight sun time of year, it will also be quite the contrast to my past Canadian explorations. See you on the eastern tip of Canada in Fall 2023!

Making Art in Newfoundland

Pouch Cove dock, Newfoundland, Canada