Essence of Outdoor Hockey on Canvas

Capturing the Essence of Outdoor Hockey on Canvas – Skating on Frozen Lakes

There’s something exhilarating about skating and playing hockey outdoors—especially on a glacial lake at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The crisp air, the sound of blades cutting through natural ice, and the solitude of nature make it a magical experience. Sometimes referred to as the outdoor rink and pond hockey. Over the years, I’ve painted several pieces inspired by the joy of skating outdoors. It’s a subject that has captivated me, perhaps because, as a Vancouver Islander, I rarely get to experience it myself. If we’re lucky, we might get a few days of thin ice on a farmer’s field, but nothing like the frozen expanses of Canada’s interior. Capturing the essence of outdoor hockey on canvas, takes observation and imagination.

Skaters enjoy outdoor Saanich ice rink on farming land

For those lucky enough to live near the Rocky Mountains—whether in Canada or the USA—this winter pastime is more than just a sport. Hockey on outdoor lakes and ponds is a tradition that connects people to the landscape and each other.

Skating outdoors at Lake Louise

My latest painting captures the essence of this experience. It shows a young boy lacing up his hockey skates while sitting on the ice, just inside the crease of the goaltender’s net. A black rubber puck rests beside him, while his hockey stick stands upright, buried in the snow, ready for action. In the background, snowy mountain peaks rise into the distance, and the golden light of late afternoon bathes the scene. It’s a moment of peaceful solitude, a late-day skate on a frozen lake that he has all to himself.

This imagery brings to mind Wayne Gretzky’s stories of his childhood, where he was always the first on the outdoor rink and the last to leave. His passion for hockey was innate—an unshakeable part of who he was. I can relate to that sense of drive. As an artist, painting has always been my constant companion. It’s as much a part of me as my own arm, inseparable from my identity.

Last One Out – 34×30, acrylic on canvas, 2024 – Brandy Saturley

I hope this painting takes you back to those carefree moments of childhood—or perhaps inspires you to lace up your skates and hit the ice. Outdoor hockey is more than a game; it’s a celebration of winter, community, and the joy of simple pleasures. Learn more about this painting here.

November 18, 2024

Commissioned Oversized Landscape Paintings

Landscapes, Oversized Paintings

What It Takes to Make Commissioned Oversized Landscape Paintings

Creating a painting takes time, but crafting a commissioned oversized landscape, the size of a mural, demands months of effort and is both a mental and physical challenge. Over the years, I’ve occasionally received requests from art collectors to transform a cherished landscape into a significant, permanent artwork—something they can experience daily, right in their home.

Large Oversized Landscape Painting in Leighton Studios at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. For a long time, I didn’t quite understand why someone would want a painting of a view they could see just outside their window. That changed once I began painting these landscapes. The process itself is a journey, bringing the beauty and serenity of nature into my studio. At the end of each day, I find myself sitting on my couch, contemplating the work. It feels like taking a mini-vacation to the place I’m painting, especially when the scene includes the vivid hues of glacial lakes or the pristine essence of nature in all seasons. The act of creating these paintings becomes a gift—not just to the collector, but to me as an artist, as I immerse myself in a world of natural wonder.

Brandy Saturley studio in North Saanich, BC – creating a landscape painting of Lake Louise.
These oversized paintings often measure 8 to 10 feet in width, reflecting the grandeur of the landscapes they depict. To make the process even more meaningful, I document my work, often creating time-lapse videos that give clients a behind-the-scenes look at their painting’s creation. These videos not only serve as keepsakes for collectors but also add to my library of documentation for future conservation efforts.
For me, these time-lapse films are more than records—they’re tools for storytelling and education, offering aspiring artists a glimpse into the process stroke by stroke. Whatever the outcome, the act of creating these large-scale paintings is an adventure filled with joy.

It’s a privilege to share these films and these paintings with others. Perhaps one day, you too will commission an oversized landscape and join me on this creative journey. Together, we can transform a cherished view into a lasting piece of art that captures the magic of the moment and brings it to life in your home.

Although I am best known for my figurative works that explore Canadian culture, the landscape plays a central role in many of my paintings. Working on these oversized, almost mural-like canvases challenges me in new and exciting ways. I’ve painted both imagined and real landscapes, including iconic locations like Lake Louise and Princess Louisa Inlet. In these expansive works, every brushstroke becomes monumental. What might be a small detail in a medium-sized painting takes on larger-than-life proportions here, creating a striking visual impact that brings the scene to life. Learn more about painting commissions with Brandy Saturley.

November 15, 2024

Artwork Display in Toronto

Art Licensing

Art Licensing in Canada: Digital Artwork Display in Toronto

I’m thrilled to announce that my recent artwork, Spirit of Remembrance: a modern take on Remembrance Day, will be displayed digitally all week in the heart of Toronto, Canada at 2 Bloor West. Licensed through a Toronto agency, Highness Global, this artwork will light up a high-end retail lobby on digital LED displays, offering a contemporary reflection on this important day. Digital artwork display with The Art of Brandy Saturley in Toronto, Canada.

Remembrance Day, for me, represents both a tribute and a moment of unity. In this piece, I wanted to capture the spirit of remembrance and respect while conveying a message that resonates with modern audiences. This artwork, which explores themes of peace, resilience, and Canadian identity, has been carefully designed to complement the upscale, dynamic setting of 2 Bloor West.

Exterior view of installation at 2 Bloor West.

This display offers a unique opportunity to bring art into daily life, inviting people passing through the lobby to pause and reflect on Remembrance Day in a new, digital light. For those in Toronto, I hope you can stop by and experience this work. It’s a piece that means a great deal to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share it in such an impactful way.

Digital installation view of The Art of Brandy Saturley at 2 Bloor West lobby, Toronto Canada, by Highness Global.

Art Licensing: More about the Original Artwork on Digital Display

The Remembrance Day themed artwork currently on digital display in Toronto, Canada is a version of the original painting below, Spirit of Remembrance. The painting is a modern take and comment on the day and what it means to the artist, Brandy Saturley. With vivid colours of reds and blues, the piece shows a woman in a military style red coat, on her knees, holding poppies on her back, her arms spread to the side as if she were to take flight, the composition and pose influenced by the Rolls Royce hood ornament. The red poppies on her back also hide her hands as her arms become the poppies. A moving comment on Remembrance Day in Canada.

Spirit of Remembrance (I’ll Carry that Weight), original acrylic painting on canvas, 2020, Brandy Saturley

November 12, 2024

Honouring Remembrance Day 2024

New Paintings, Remembrance Day Art

Honouring Remembrance Day 2024: A Symbolic Tribute in Denim

As Remembrance Day 2024 approaches, we pause honouring courage, sacrifices, and lives that shape our world today. This year, I’ve created a painting that is both a personal tribute and a shared symbol, capturing the essence of Remembrance Day through a close-up image of a denim jacket pocket—a canvas that speaks to the every human, worn by everyday people. On one corner of the pocket rests a small red poppy, Canada’s enduring symbol of remembrance, and beside it, three tiny buttons painted in red: one marked with a peace sign, another with a heart for love, and the last with a maple leaf for Canada. Each icon tells its own story, yet together they form a message of hope, solidarity, and unity.

Example of Remembrance Day painting on wall and with red frame.

The denim or jean jacket has its own quiet, resilient symbolism. Where uniforms of war can signal a particular allegiance, denim is a common thread, a fabric of the everyday that wraps around us all, a universal garment. Whether for work, comfort, or expression, denim has become the uniform of the “every human”—a piece of clothing that connects people across borders, standing as a testament to resilience, durability, and familiarity. With this piece, I wanted to evoke that sense of shared experience and connection, making the denim jacket not just a piece of attire but a statement of common ground among us all.

The poppy pin holds its place in the composition with reverence, bringing to mind the countless stories of bravery and sacrifice that mark Canada’s history. Its red hue, striking and solemn, is a reminder to reflect not only on past conflicts but also on the ongoing wish for peace worldwide. The three red buttons add a quieter yet equally potent voice to the painting. The peace sign is a prayer for calm and understanding among all people, the heart an emblem of love and compassion, and the maple leaf a tribute to Canada’s ideals, values, and commitment to peacekeeping.

This painting is not only about remembering those who served but also about honoring the enduring desire for a world where we are all connected in humanity. It’s a small reminder of the importance of praying for each other, even for those we may never meet, and holding in our hearts the hope for a better future, especially in uncertain times.

This Remembrance Day, may we all take a moment to acknowledge our shared humanity, to remember those who have come before us, and to embrace the collective aspiration for peace. Whether we wear a jacket or a uniform, a poppy on our lapel, or simply a memory in our hearts, we are bound by our shared stories, dreams, and hopes for a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow.

Say A Little Prayer, acrylic on canvas, 18×24, Brandy Saturley, 2024

See more photos of the painting and purchase here.

See 10 paintings about Remembrance Day here.

November 1, 2024

No Dress Rehearsal

Canadian Art, Canadian Paintings

Presenting Your Art to an Audience for the First Time, There is No Dress Rehearsal

Watching the recent documentary, No Dress Rehearsal, about Canadian Artists The Tragically Hip felt like discovering an old friend in a new light. For much of my career, I was working in parallel to The Hip, exploring Canadian themes in my art without really knowing their music. But over the past decade, I fully embraced The Hip and their incredible ability to capture Canada through song. Now, their music has become a staple in my studio, often playing in the background and setting the tone for my own brand of visual storytelling.

The Tragically Hip felt like reconnecting with an old friend, a reminder of why this band has come to hold such a special place in my heart—and in my work. Their poetic lyrics, which touch on history, geography, and the quirks of Canadian identity, often reverberate in the background while I’m in the studio, setting the tone as I paint my own interpretations of Canada.

What resonates most is how much we have in common: a deep love for Canada and a unique approach to weaving stories—The Hip through lyrics and music, and me through paint on canvas. Their songs remind me of the power of a well-told story, something I strive to achieve in my paintings, which are rooted in our landscapes, icons, and cultural symbols. We share a commitment to travel across Canada, exploring both big cities and rural communities. Just as they tirelessly toured, I’m inspired by the places and people I encounter, gathering stories and images to shape my work. Traveling from coast to coast to coast, I gain a broader understanding of what it means to be Canadian—a theme that’s central to both their music and my own work.

There’s also that distinctly Canadian quirkiness we both bring to our work. Just as The Hip were known for their playful, sometimes ironic take on what it means to be Canadian, I work to bring a similar spirit to my art. My paintings often include playful Canadian motifs, like plaid, hockey stories, rural locations, and landscapes that feel instantly familiar, yet they invite viewers to look deeper. This approach makes me feel like I’m part of the broader Canadian narrative The Hip helped shape, just in a different medium.

The Hip’s legacy is more than musical; it’s a cultural marker, inspiring artists like me to explore Canada in all its complexity. With their songs playing in my studio, I feel connected to that same spirit, driven to create paintings that speak to what it means to be Canadian. Their influence helps me set the tone and pace as I bring my own vision of Canada to life on canvas.

Working with The Hip’s music as my backdrop, I’m constantly inspired by their ability to bring Canada to life in ways that are both personal and universally relatable. As I paint, their music pushes me to explore what it means to be Canadian, just as they did through their lyrics. And with their songs filling the studio, I find myself weaving together my own stories of Canada, capturing the essence of our shared home one canvas at a time. There is no dress rehearsal when it comes to being an artist and laying your heart on the line.

More about The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal here.

More about Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley here:

October 29, 2024

Plaid in Canada

Canadian Paintings

Six Paintings Telling Tales of Plaid in Canada

Growing up in the 1970s in a province known for its trees and logging, I became deeply familiar with the Canadian uniform of plaid. My father worked in the forestry industry, and he wore those heavy wool plaid jackets with metal snaps—the quintessential attire for his trade. Plaid was everywhere, from the beaches littered with runaway logs to the backs of loggers, lumberjacks, and fishermen. But the tradition of plaid in Canada reaches back much further than my childhood memories.

Plaid’s roots in Canada trace back to Scottish immigrants who brought their tartan patterns with them to Nova Scotia. These early settlers, struggling to survive in a new and rugged land, carried with them not only their fabrics but their values of hard work, community, and perseverance. The plaid flannel shirt evolved into a symbol of the Canadian Everyman—approachable, hardworking, and unpretentious. It evokes a sense of homegrown authenticity, embodying the spirit of “nice Canadians” who work together for the common good.

Over the decades, plaid has been worn by some of Canada’s most iconic figures—from the fictional Bob and Doug McKenzie and the famous Quinlan Quints to the legendary Neil Young, the elder statesman of flannel. The plaid shirt has become an unofficial emblem of Canada itself, representing the land of the True North, strong and free. It’s a fabric that transcends divisions. Plaid isn’t just one color—it’s red, blue, black, and white—a patchwork that mirrors Canada’s diverse yet unified identity.

Plaid’s resurgence today, especially among the youth of 2024, underscores its lasting appeal. Companies like Dixxon Flannel have breathed new life into the fabric, infusing it with pop culture flair and turning it into a fashion statement for a new generation. Plaid, once the uniform of loggers and fishermen, now proudly adorns the backs of men and women from all walks of life, whether at work, at the opera, on the outdoor rink, or even on a wedding night. It’s no wonder Elon Musk named his premium Tesla the PLAID model X.

As a Canadian artist dedicated to telling the stories of the Canadian experience, plaid has naturally woven itself into my work. From still life to larger explorations of Canadian identity, plaid serves as a visual metaphor for the strength, warmth, and resilience of the people who wear it. Most recently, I completed a still life of two plaid shirts hanging on a stark white wall—a quiet homage to this enduring symbol of Canadian culture.

Brandy Saturley wearing her Dixxon flannel plaid shirt, 2024.

Here are six paintings that tell the tale of plaid in Canada and beyond, offering a glimpse into how this simple fabric continues to inspire and connect us.

Come on Just Let’s Go – acrylic on canvas painting, 2024 – Brandy Saturley

2. With Hearts on Our Sleeves, acrylic on canvas painting, 2017 – Brandy Saturley

3. Ukraine Strong, acrylic on canvas, 2022 – Brandy Saturley

4. Son of Canada, acrylic on canvas, 2022 – Brandy Saturley

5. Tulip Tartan – Red, acrylic and gold leaf on canvas painting, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

6. Tartan Tulip – Lemon, acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

See more paintings by Brandy Saturley here.

October 23, 2024

Political Climate and Art Sales

Advice for Art Collectors

How Does Political Climate Affect Art Sales in Canada?

The political climate can have a significant impact on art sales in Canada, as it does in many countries. Several factors related to the political environment can shape both the art market and the demand for different types of art. Here are some key ways the political climate may influence art sales:

1. Government Support for the Arts

Cultural Policy and Funding: Changes in government policy around the arts can directly affect sales. In Canada, the government has traditionally provided funding through organizations like the Canada Council for the Arts. When governments increase funding and support, it creates opportunities for artists to create and showcase work, boosting visibility and sales. Conversely, cuts in funding can limit opportunities, making it harder for artists to sell.
Public Art Programs: Policies that promote public art commissions (e.g., murals, sculptures) can lead to more opportunities for sales, especially for contemporary and local artists.
Brandy Saturley working on mural sized painting at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, 2022

2. Tax Policies

Tax Incentives for Art Buyers: Canadian tax policy can have a direct influence on art sales. For example, when tax incentives favor the purchase of art (e.g., allowing deductions for art acquisitions by corporations), there may be an increase in demand, particularly in the high-end market. Changes in capital gains tax, estate tax, or deductions can encourage or discourage investment in art as an asset.
Tax Breaks for Donations: Policies that encourage donating art to public institutions (such as the ability to claim charitable donations for valuable works) can influence the secondary art market and the behavior of wealthy collectors.
The Art of Brandy Saturley and Ferrari at Victoria Premium Automobiles, Victoria BC 2013

3. National and Global Political Stability

Economic Confidence and Art as Investment: Political instability often affects the economy, and economic downturns tend to reduce discretionary spending. In times of political uncertainty (such as during elections or global trade tensions), buyers may hesitate to make significant purchases, including art. However, in some cases, art is seen as a safe-haven investment, particularly in volatile times, which could increase sales in specific sectors of the art market (especially for blue-chip art).
Trade and International Relations: Canada’s trade agreements and international relations can impact the import and export of art. If international relations are tense or there are restrictive trade policies, this could affect the flow of art between countries and the ability of galleries to showcase international artists, thus influencing sales.

4. Political and Social Movements

Demand for Politically Relevant Art: Political movements, such as environmental activism, Indigenous rights, or social justice movements, can create demand for art that addresses these themes. In Canada, for example, there has been growing interest in Indigenous art, driven in part by movements for reconciliation and decolonization. Art that resonates with current social and political issues often experiences increased visibility and sales.
Censorship and Artistic Freedom: The political environment may affect what types of art are supported or censored. Political climates that favor freedom of expression often foster vibrant art markets, while those that limit expression may constrain the kinds of art that are produced and sold.
On Guard, acrylic on canvas, 2013, Brandy Saturley – Colart Collection Quebec, Canada

5. Global Art Trends

Impact of International Politics: Global political changes, such as shifts in U.S. or European politics, can indirectly influence Canadian art sales. Art collectors are often influenced by global trends, and political upheaval abroad can shift the focus toward Canadian artists, particularly if international markets become less accessible or desirable due to political instability.
End of An Era, 2022 Acrylic On Canvas 60 x 36 x 1.5 in (152.4 x 91.44 x 3.81 cm) Brandy Saturley

6. Public Sentiment and National Identity

Cultural Nationalism: In times of political change, there may be a surge in demand for art that reflects national identity or political values. For instance, during periods of national pride or political shifts, there may be increased interest in art that portrays Canadian landscapes, history, or cultural symbols.
Political Patronage: Political leaders and institutions may become patrons of the arts, either to reflect political messaging or to promote certain cultural values. This can create a market for works that align with specific ideologies or values of the ruling party.

Goalie’s Mask: red, white & Dryden (The Goalies Mask Painting) 2011 Acrylic 48 x 36 x 1.5 in (121.92 x 91.44 x 3.81 cm) Brandy Saturley

In conclusion, the political climate in Canada affects art sales through a combination of cultural policies, economic stability, social movements, and the international art market’s influence. Whether it’s through government support or the evolving tastes of buyers influenced by political trends, the intersection of politics and art remains a dynamic and influential factor in the Canadian art market.

Political Climate and Art Sales – Art That Focuses on National Identity

“I am telling visual stories of my travels in Canada, from Coast to Coast to Coast.” Brandy Saturley is an acclaimed contemporary Canadian Visual Artist widely recognized for her evocative portrayals of Canadian culture, landscapes, people, wildlife, hockey and icons. See more paintings by Brandy Saturley here.

Canadian Visual Artist and Pop Art style painter, Brandy Saturley.

October 16, 2024

Vivid Autumn Leaf Paintings

Georgia O'Keeffe, New Paintings

Four Vivid Paintings for Autumn – Maple Leaf and More

It is a time of year that fills us with warmth on crisp days, these vivid Autumn leaf paintings express my love for this season. For an artist who paints the colour palette of gold to red and green is a feast for the eyes and the soul. I walk daily outside and sometimes I collect these leaves for my studio, I find the endless shapes and colour variations incredibly fascinating. The warmth of Autumn is a part of the spectrum I only seem to paint in the Fall, and with good reason, there is subject matter abounds.

Over the years autumn leaves have found their way into my paintings and the subject of fall and Thanksgiving something that brings joy and celebration with loved ones. The first paintings of Fall and leaves that drew my attention were that of American modernist painter, Georgia O’Keeffe, on our recent trip to Santa Fe and the home and studio of O’Keeffe I was joyful to see her garden and collections of stones, skulls and the trees that lined her property. At the Georgia O’Keeffe museum I was able to view many of her remarkable pieces live, including many informed by nature and of course the fall leaves. I was particularly drawn to this painting, Dark and Lavender Leaves, as it almost resembles a flame in the dark, something also representative of the Autumn season with cracking outdoor fires and indoor fireplaces.

Dark and Lavender Leaves, Georgia O’Keeffe, 1931 – Oil on canvas, 20 x 17 inches New Mexico Museum of Art Museum of Fine Arts

Here are four paintings that embrace the colours of Autumn, nature and leaves. From sugar maple to Japanese red, these still life paintings emit the joy of Autumn.

Two maple leaf still life paintings by Brandy Saturley. Golden Maple and Six Point Leaf, 2016

Red Red Maple, acrylic on canvas painting of Japanese maple leaves by Brandy Saturley, 2007

Family Tree, acrylic on canvas painting of family hugging tree in an Autumn, 2024 SEE MORE HERE

See more paintings by Brandy Saturley here.

October 10, 2024

Elusive Moose Paintings

New Paintings

Paintings of the Elusive Moose, Inconceivable!

When it comes to spotting a moose in Canada, it can be a daunting task. I have explored Canada from coast to coast to coast and I have yet to cross paths with this magical beast. Though I know one day we will meet, I have seen plenty of documentaries about this gargantuan icon of Canada. While death by moose is a very real thing in Newfoundland, thankfully we haven’t faced down a moose on the road. Here are two new paintings that tell stories of the moose in his own element.

In these most recent paintings the moose features both prominently and elusively. My goal was to capture the magic, folklore and playful nature of this beautiful beast.

Inconceivable Mooseness: in this vertical painting we see the moose front and centre in the grassy marshlands adorned with flowers and strands of grass. He is surrounded by a magical landscape of mountains to water and wispy cloud summer sky. The landscape is dotted with tiny points of light of many colours, perhaps symbolizing fireflies and other creatures and reflections in the water. This painting while a vivid pop art palette and rendering, carries a soft and playful feel.

Spirited Island: there is an island called ‘Spirit’ in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. In Maligne Lake, it is a view many people associate with the Canadian Rockies. The Island is a spiritual place for the Stony Nakoda First Nation who believe mountains are physical representations of ancestors. Peter Gales’ image of Spirit Island hung in New York City’s Grand Central terminal in the 1960’s. It was my time to render this landscape into my series of paintings about my adventures in Canada. The painting features the island central with red canoe on the shore of the island and a moose on the far side. Paddling on your own to this magical spot can take four hours each way. In the foreground the emerald waters swirl around a rock with a pine seedling, some floating maple leaves and some magical pop art details of dots and vivid hard edged palette. The painting is electric and alive, much like the live location.

See more paintings by Brandy Saturley inspired by the Canadian Landscape and wildlife here.

October 2, 2024

Jasper Alberta Paintings

Canadian Paintings, New Paintings

An Ode to Jasper, Alberta – Paintings That Celebrate A Special Place

With Jasper on our minds and in our hearts it was time to put brush to canvas and make some paintings that express my love for the beauty of this special place filled with Rocky Mountains and wonderous road trips in Alberta.

What better way to traverse these landscapes than in a cherry red Tesla, where no sound and no fumes are created, impeding the enjoyment of this pristine place of wild momentous beauty. Autumn colours and golden hour highlights the curves and shapes of the hard and soft edges where the road, meets the tree-line and then rises to the Rocky Mountains.

Over the years we have enjoyed many road trips through beautiful Jasper, Banff and much of the Rocky Mountains, lakes and prairies province of Alberta. There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when you are dwarfed by nature and feel so small against the powerful giants as their peaks play with the clouds and light of these rapidly changing skies. Brisk forest air and wildlife abounds in these landscapes offering discovery around every corner.

Here are two recent paintings featuring views from the passenger seat and through the window.

Sound of Silence: painting of mountains and forest from the road entering Jasper National Park

Momentous: painting of mountains driving through Jasper National Park featuring red Tesla

Paintings for Mountain Lovers: Nine Paintings from Jasper to Banff, Alberta

Earlier paintings by Brandy Saturley featuring imagery inspired by Banff and the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. From BC to Alberta, including Mount Robson the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and Waterton Lakes. From glacial peaks in Banff National Park to Lake Louise. Nine paintings capture the exhilaration of the peaks they depict. The series originally titled, ‘I See Mountains’ offers supersaturated palettes and vivid pop art outlines. Like neon signs, these mountains vibrate and light up any room.

September 19, 2024

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