Posts

Political Climate and Art Sales

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

Weird Art in Canada

Canadian Art, Canadian Paintings

What Makes Art Unique – Weird Art in Canada

Having recently returned from an art trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico I came home with a new appreciation for the quirky and even absurdities in Art. Weird art captivates our imagination by pushing boundaries and challenging norms. It reveals aspects of life and human creativity that we rarely encounter. From George Condo’s portraits to modern works like Damien Hirst’s pickled shark, these pieces provoke curiosity, intrigue, and sometimes even discomfort. So, in its eccentricity, weird art invites us to explore the unexpected and embrace the unconventional. Making weird art in Canada.

Sometimes referred to as ‘quirk’, ‘lowbrow’ or ‘funny’ – their have been many weird artworks that have captured our attention, for generations, and we are still talking about these works in the contemporary world. Whether it be ‘American Gothic’, The Scream or the melting clocks of Dali, weird art transcends genres and movements and can be found worldwide. Surreal, whimsical, or absurd art provides an escape from mundane reality. It invites us into fantastical worlds, sparking imagination.

In Canada, we are known as having our own quirky brand of humour, that is distinctly our own. Having travelled across the country over the past two decades soaking up the uniqueness that is Canada, I can attest to the weird wonderfulness that is Canada, but this is not reflected in most of our art galleries, which strikes me as odd. As the ‘Iconic Canuck’ I took my weird and quirky Canadianisms on the road and found an audience amongst those who appreciate laughing at themselves and their country. Underlying these quirky visual tales painted on canvas, a serious undertone about our place in the world and thoughts about the future of our country.

The “Canadianisms” series has toured in both Edmonton and Calgary, and has garnered the artist notoriety as the voice of Canadian Pop Art. In her most recent work, Saturley has turned once again to the landscape, never really having left. Her new, visionary paintings collage different, unexpected elements of Canadiana rendered in her characteristic pop aesthetic. They oscillate between a graphic realism used for Canada’s famous mountain peaks or views of forest lakes, and the abstractness of the colorful, even psychedelic backgrounds. The sincerity of their celebration keeps them from tripping over into kitsch. Instead they are otherworldly and transportive, playful and humorous. ~ Andrea Bell, for Whitehot Magazine

For me it is fun to look back at these weird and wonderful ideas that launched me into the Canadian Art Market and with galleries across the country. Some of my weird art serves as a critique of culture, politics, or consumerism. It highlights absurdities and prompts reflection on societal issues. In 2025, I will celebrate 15 years of painting stories of Canada on canvas, and I have a few things up my sleeve. For now, a trip back through these tongue in cheek narratives about a country known for it’s red maple leaf, Mountie’s, syrup of gold, hockey culture, Nanaimo bars and landscapes.

12 Paintings – Making Weird Art in Canada

From stories of the Oilers defeat and trade of Wayne Gretzky to the Stanley Cup. From tales of the Ukrainian experience to the people of the prairies, Canadian celebrities and the fans. These paintings tell quirky Canadian narratives of yesterday and today.

Death of a Rookie – 32×32, acrylic on canvas, 2012 An ode to the Oilers Steve Smith, in the style of Jacques Louis David, referencing The Death of Marat painting created in 1793. “Saturley’s Death of a Rookie, Rise of a Hero is a take on the political painting The Death of Marat by French painter Jacques-Louis David, 1793.

The Story of the Wayne Gretzky Trade – 48×36, acrylic on canvas, 2012 Brandy Saturley – Painting of The Oilers on the ice and Janet Jones in goal, with Gretzky transfixed by her gaze. A tale of the Wayne Gretzky trade to the LA Kings.

A Cup for Louise, 22.5×19, acrylic on canvas, 2013 – Brandy Saturley Imagine an afternoon sipping tea in the tearoom of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, out of Canada’s most coveted cup? Having tea with Stanley at Lake Louise.

The Climb, 48×36, acrylic on canvas, 2015 – Brandy Saturley This piece speaks to the climb we face in all areas of life through referencing the long climb to achieving the Stanley Cup. The piece carries heavy symbolism with Lawren Harris-esque rocky mountains in the background.

The Eh Team, 36×36, acrylic on canvas, 2013 – Brandy Saturley Painting of a mountie with thumb up in a Fonzie-esque ‘eh’

Perogies in the Wind, 30×24, acrylic on canvas, 2012 – Brandy Saturley Painting of perogies hanging from a clothesline on the Canadian Prairie

Bieberscape 24×30, acrylic on canvas, 2011, Brandy Saturley Painting of Justin Beiber hairstyles that he became famous for early in his career. The hair acts and landscapes on the road through the Nevada desert.

Canada is Sweet & Salty, 24×30, acrylic on canvas, 2011 – Brandy Saturley Painting of a naked Pamela Anderson laying on top of a Mackintosh toffee bar at Peggy’s Cove with puffins.

A song for an Alter Ego, acrylic on canvas, 2011, Brandy Saturley Painting of Burton Cummings and his alter ego, on a trip across his catalogue. A Beatles’esque take on Burton’s inner thoughts.

A Punch Line and an Unknown, 36×48, acrylic on canvas, 2013 – Brandy Saturley A painting on an outdoor hockey rink of a group of hockey buddies wearing the ‘Habs’ famous line jersey numbers, along with a goal tender with a paper bag over his head.

Canadiens Gothic, 48×36, acrylic on canvas, 2014 – Brandy Saturley

The original painting the started the People of Canada Portrait Project in 2014, inspired by ‘American Gothic’. “American Gothic (1930) is a painting by American (Iowa) artist Grant Wood. The painting depicts a farmer and someone you may assume to be his wife standing in front of their house. The farmer is dressed simply and holding a pitch fork, the wife is dressed simply as well, adorned by an apron.

In reality, the people in this painting are not as they seem, they are models (artist’s sister and town dentist) that Wood selected to replicate what a typical person living in Iowa would look like. In American Gothic, Wood uses the house and its perspective owners as a satirical outlook on American culture at the time. Saturley’s Canadiens Gothic (from the People of Canada Portrait Project) has a similar setting to Wood’s American Gothic. Shown is a hockey player (Reg) in a Canadiens hockey jersey, holding a hockey stick. Beside him is, we assume, his wife (Penny) wearing a “Hoodie” or a “Bunny Hug” if you are from Saskatchewan. The figures are standing not in front of their home, but in front of a building titled FORUM, “the most storied building in hockey history” and home of the Montreal Canadiens hockey club. Unlike Wood’s American Gothic, the figures in Saturley’s Canadiens Gothic did pose together (selfie taken by Penny) and are a couple living in Manitoba. Replacing the pitch fork with a hockey stick, and replacing the simple but staunch black jacket with a hockey jersey, evokes a level of relaxation on one’s day off.This contrasts the work element (farming) with play (hockey); or, comparatively speaking, a way of life (farming) juxtaposed with the Canadian way of life (hockey). Penny’s attire also gives to the notion of comfort and does not attest to any domestic fortitude

Dreaming in the Colours of Eh, 36×48, acrylic on canvas, 2014 Asleep on an HBC point blanket, the green blanket like a field of emerald grass with red poppies falling from the sky. The poppies made from sheet music of ‘O Canada’. The woman sleeps peacefully with Canada Goose winter hat and ruby red boots, holding a green monopoly house in her right hand. The woman wearing a Vancouver Canucks jersey, but no pants. This piece was created as part of a series referencing the ‘Wizard of Oz’ and my journey home after exhibitions of work in Alberta. Somewhat surrealism, definitely symbolic, this piece tells many stories depending on the viewer. Acrylic painting on canvas with collage.

Remember, art’s impact is subjective, and what’s “weird” varies from person to person. Ultimately, weird art enriches our cultural landscape and invites us to explore the extraordinary.

June 6, 2024

A Trinity in Newfoundland

Artist Process, New Paintings

Painting 15 in A Series about Newfoundland

We were up exploring around Cape Bonavista lighthouse, and by up I mean, above the Avalon Peninsula, where I was based out of during my month in Newfoundland. A three hour and forty minute drive each way, from Pouch Cove Foundation. On our way to the iconic lighthouse and town, I received a text from a friend. Make sure on your return trip you have lunch in Trinity, it’s a quaint little town that really has an old colonial Newfoundland feel. And this is where painting 15, in this series about Newfoundland began, on a lunch stop in a town called Trinity.

Looking down on Trinity, Newfoundland – October 2023, Brandy Saturley

Trinity, nestled along the picturesque Trinity Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador, boasts a rich historical background. Its quaint streets are adorned with a collection of architectural gems, each designated as a Registered Heritage Structure by the esteemed Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. The town’s harbor, a hub of maritime activity since the 16th century, witnessed the arrival of Portuguese explorer Gaspar Corte-Real on Trinity Sunday of 1501, bestowing upon the site its enduring name. By the 1570s, Trinity had already established itself as a vital summer outpost for fishermen from England’s West Country, drawn by the abundant riches of the migratory fishery. Beyond its maritime legacy, Trinity holds a place in medical history, serving as the pioneering ground for the introduction of the smallpox vaccine to the New World by John Clinch in 1798.

Unique architecture in Trinity, Newfoundland – October 2023, Brandy Saturley

When we arrived at Trinity it was a ghost town, being Autumn in Newfoundland many places are closing up for the Winter. The restaurant situation is hit and miss this time of year, with no regular hours really being kept in any place we have explored. Immediately I was drawn to the multitude of colourful buildings all situated on a quiet cove. A sparse landscape dotted with colour, the idyllic Newfoundland setting.

A ‘trinity’ of colourful homes in Newfoundland – October 2023, Brandy Saturley

As I was clicking through photos from my trip, I kept returning to the photo above of a ‘trifecta’ of buildings adorned in Easter hues. If I was only going to paint one visual story about this place, this grouping expresses the town in one photo. From the trio of buildings, a ‘trinity’ of it’s own to the unique heritage structures, to the English influence. It is all felt and said in this photo, with the rock and the grass, all I felt that was needed to complete this story was a woman searching for meaning in this historic little town.

Sketching out the underpainting on black gesso ground – Brandy Saturley 2024

For this painting I began with a black gesso ground, something I haven’t done before, and I NEVER use black. Black is something you must be careful with as it can become too graphic and too comic book, I have always veered away from it. I found that with this piece it offered a different way to tackle the plank siding. Rather than being heavy outlines it offers ‘peeks’ into darkness and ultimately was successful in this painting. It gives the painting a sketchbook feel, and I like this for telling the story of this piece. It felt like I was painting on a chalkboard!

Working the angles, a painting in progress. – Brandy Saturley 2024

A poem for the finished painting about Trinity, Newfoundland

Let her wander, fearless, beneath Newfoundland’s vast sky,
In her red toque and yellow slicker, love’s quest does not belie.
For amidst Trinity’s hues, where tales of old abide,
Her love may yet be waiting, in the ebb and flow of tides.

Trinity, 20×20 inches, acrylic and gouache on wood panel, 2024 Brandy Saturley

Learn more about this painting and see additional photo’s here. See all the Newfoundland Paintings here.

April 24, 2024

The Multiverse of Art

Art History, Opinion

Talking Historical Canadian Art – The Multiverse of Art

I had a conversation with an art dealer the other day, it was about contemporary Canadian Art versus Historical Canadian Art. Myself being a Canadian artist, and a contemporary Canadian Artist at that, I have a unique perspective, particularly in today’s world, about the importance and significance of contemporary Canadian Art. I also believe we are in a period of revolution in The Arts, perhaps we are entering the Multiverse of Art period?

Let Your Backbone Rise, 2016, Brandy Saturley – Private Collection Quebec

Can contemporary art also be considered historical?

Yes, contemporary art can indeed be considered historical. While contemporary art refers to art created in the present time or within recent decades, it eventually becomes a part of history as time passes. Art reflects the social, cultural, and political contexts in which it was created, and as such, it serves as a historical record of the era in which it was produced. Furthermore, contemporary art often responds to and engages with historical events, ideologies, and artistic movements. Artists may draw inspiration from past historical periods, reinterpret them in contemporary contexts, or directly address historical narratives and themes in their work. As contemporary art ages, it becomes increasingly significant as a reflection of the time in which it was made, offering insights into the concerns, values, and perspectives of that period. Therefore, contemporary art not only contributes to our understanding of the present but also becomes an essential part of the historical record for future generations.

Sold Out, 2023, Brandy Saturley – Private Collection Alberta

Could this be considered the multiverse of art?

The idea of contemporary art as a “multiverse” is an interesting metaphorical concept. In a way, the term “multiverse” suggests the coexistence of multiple parallel universes or realities. Similarly, in the realm of art, contemporary art encompasses a diverse range of styles, movements, and perspectives, all existing simultaneously.

Just as in a multiverse, where each universe may have its own set of rules and characteristics, contemporary art reflects a multitude of artistic expressions, influenced by various cultural, social, and individual factors. These diverse artistic realities intersect and interact, creating a complex and dynamic landscape of creative exploration. Like the concept of branching timelines in a multiverse, contemporary art often diverges from traditional norms and conventions, offering alternative narratives, perspectives, and approaches to artistic expression. This multiplicity allows for the exploration of different ideas, identities, and experiences within the artistic realm.

So, while contemporary art may not adhere to a singular, unified narrative or style, its richness and diversity can indeed be likened to a multiverse, where myriad artistic possibilities coexist and intersect, shaping the ever-evolving landscape of art history.

With Hearts on Our Sleeves, 2017, Brandy Saturley – Private Collection Ontario

What can contemporary artists bring to your exhibit or gallery?

Contemporary artists can bring a fresh perspective, innovative interpretations, and provocative dialogues to a historical exhibit. Here are some ways in which they can enrich such an exhibition:

Reinterpretation of History: Contemporary artists can reinterpret historical events, figures, and narratives through their unique lens. Their perspectives may challenge conventional interpretations and offer new insights into familiar historical themes.

Engagement with Current Issues: Many contemporary artists engage with pressing social, political, and cultural issues. By addressing these concerns within a historical context, they can highlight the relevance and continuity of certain themes throughout history.

Dialogue with Tradition: Contemporary artists often engage in dialogues with art history and tradition. They may reference, critique, or reinterpret works from the past, creating a dynamic interplay between historical and contemporary artistic practices.

Exploration of Identity and Memory: Contemporary artists frequently explore themes of identity, memory, and heritage. Their works can shed light on marginalized histories, amplify diverse voices, and challenge dominant narratives within historical exhibitions.

On Guard, 2013, Brandy Saturley – Colart Collection Quebec

Experimentation with Mediums and Technologies: Contemporary art embraces a wide range of mediums and technologies, from traditional painting and sculpture to digital art and multimedia installations. Integrating these innovative approaches into historical exhibits can enhance audience engagement and offer new ways of experiencing history.

Reflection on Time and Continuity: Through their artwork, contemporary artists often reflect on the passage of time and the continuity of human experiences across different historical periods. Their contributions can add layers of complexity and nuance to our understanding of history as a living, evolving narrative.

To The See, 2017, Brandy Saturley – Collection of The Artist

By inviting contemporary artists to participate in historical exhibits, curators can create dynamic and multifaceted experiences that bridge the past and present, encouraging viewers to reconsider familiar narratives and explore new perspectives on history.

So, Can contemporary art also be considered historical? the short answer is YES.

April 9, 2024

Welcome Home to Victoria

Artist Process, Artist Residency

West to East and East to West – Welcome Home

So let’s go to the East Coast I said, and we did. I was there to make Art at the Pouch Cove Foundation residency, and he came along to see a bit of my home for a month, tour around the Avalon peninsula, enjoy time with friends and eat fish & chips next to ships made for stormy seas and hard working fisher people! One town that captured our hearts and our bellies was Petty Harbour.

Petty Harbour reflections – photo Brandy Saturley

We went with friends and celebrated the end of the first week with a lobster roll and recovery fries, yes you read that right. At Chafe’s near the harbour we ate an East Coast poutine of fries smothered with gravy, cheese curds, dressing, mushrooms, onions, peas and ground beef, filling an entire plate. After a month on the rock, there was a grand welcome home to Victoria, dipping my toes back in the Pacific Ocean of the West Coast of this beautiful and massive country we call home.

Chafes Landing in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland – photo Brandy Saturley

For an artist, Petty Harbour is a living art installation of the most fascinating kind. Dotted along the shores of the harbour sits brightly painted structures in no particular layout or order, the style is more scattered, as if no one was too concerned with developing a town one could navigate. It’s almost like no one expected to stay here for very long, in many ways it feels like a living outdoor museum of the history of the area. There are brightly painted dories, tee-pee like structures, lobster fishing traps, piles of colourful ropes and fish boats of all kinds.

Old Lobster traps in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland – photo Brandy Saturley

The first day we visited the harbour it was a proper fall day in Newfoundland. Fog was rolling and waves at the mouth of the harbour were thunderous and deafening, it was incendiary! Like a cauldron of the ocean gods, I was trying to imagine these little boats crossing through that treacherous mouth protecting the harbour from shear insanity of the seas. This place represents all the best of true Newfoundlandness, at least from this West coaster’s perspective. Upstairs at Chafe’s the music is loud and the thumping of humans feet provides a beat to eat to below. The heartbeat of this place is thunderous and unabashed.

The mouth of Petty Harbour – photo Brandy Saturley

It’s 2024 now, and we are back on the West Coast, in Victoria. We walked ourselves down from the Bard & Banker pub, to a place we call The Mac (The McPherson Playhouse). Two Paloma margaritas and a lobster roll down, we walked up the red carpeted stairs of this beautiful old playhouse to the balcony seats made for tinier ancient times. On stage amongst the guitars, piano and drum kit, there sat a Newfoundland flag, draped over a musicians travelling case. There was also what looked like an antique radio speaker of some sort, it made for some good reverberations during Adam Baldwin’s set, a musician from Nova Scotia, the quintessential maritime character. With bleached blonde hair, and black beard wearing red plaid shirt with arms torn off, and blue collar worker neon yellow t-shirt underneath, his humorous stories of everyday growing up, were painting stories in my mind.

Alan Doyle Welcome Home Tour @ McPherson Playhouse – Victoria BC 2024

Then the Petty Harbour native himself made his fiery entrance, a proper Newfoundlander. Having just been in Petty Harbour we found ourselves getting every little thing Doyle was laying out in his stories. When he leaned into his stories of his perceptions with the East Coast, we laughed LOUD. “I was on Granville Island and someone paddled by the dock in a kayak, just for recreation!”.

Serendipity – Welcome Home to Victoria

I guess the point of me writing this blog post is my eternal belief in universal forces at work, well and how my brain works. How this journey of painting visual stories of Canada began over a decade ago during the Vancouver Olympic games and became what it is today.

Scenes of Newfoundland – painting by Brandy Saturley 2024

From The Goalie’s Mask painting, to #ICONICCANUCK and then onto painting my ‘Pop Canadianisms’ and taking myself and my art on the road across the country, from coast to coast to coast. I have eight paintings now influenced by my experiences in Newfoundland, and I plan to take the next two months to focus on painting as many more as I can, before I head out on the road once again.

Fiery sunset in Petty Harbour – photo Brandy Saturley

Thank you Alan Doyle and your wonderfully talented group of musicians, poets, singers and storytellers. This night helped to cap my journey from west to east and back again, through this wonderful evening of song, stomping and clapping until our arms hurt.

Gloves on a clothesline in Petty Harbour – photo Brandy Saturley

February 23, 2024

Tax Benefits Canadian Art

Advice for Art Collectors, Buying Art

Maximize Your Tax Benefits: Invest in Original Canadian Art for Your Business

Have you ever considered leveraging your tax refund to enrich your corporate environment? Instead of opting for conventional investments, why not explore the lasting benefits of acquiring original Canadian art from independent living artists? Original art not only fosters discussion and entertainment but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your corporate spaces, ultimately adding value to your business premises. Following are some Tax Benefits of purchasing original Canadian Art.

Golden Hour in The Heart of Canoeland, Acrylic 36 x 60 x 1.5 in (91.44 x 152.4 x 3.81 cm) Brandy Saturley

Embrace the Opportunity to Define Your Brand:
Decorating your corporate offices with original Canadian paintings serves as more than mere decoration. It’s an opportunity to convey your brand’s ethos and warmth to clients and employees alike. Each piece of art injects a sense of taste, class, and sophistication, elevating your corporation’s image and fostering a sense of community within your workspace.

Tax Deductions Make Art Acquisition a Smart Investment:
Did you know that purchasing original Canadian art offers substantial tax benefits for your business? The Canadian government actively supports investments in Canadian artwork by offering tax incentives to businesses of all sizes. By investing in the Canadian art market, not only do you enrich your corporate environment, but you also enjoy tax deductions under the Capital Cost Allowance scheme. Consult your accountant for personalized advice on maximizing these benefits.

Saint Kanata – Acrylic 48 x 36 x 1.5 in (121.92 x 91.44 x 3.81 cm) Brandy Saturley

Make Art Acquisition Affordable with Fine Art Financing:
Art Lease Canada provides an attractive solution for businesses looking to invest in fine art without significant upfront costs. With low-interest financing and flexible payment terms, building an impressive art collection becomes accessible to businesses of all sizes. Plus, by financing your Canadian art purchases, you can claim these expenses as tax-deductible business expenses, further enhancing your financial benefits.

Tax Benefits – Buy Original Canadian Art Because You Love It:
Beyond financial considerations, the primary motivation for investing in original Canadian art should always be personal connection and appreciation. Each artwork is a testament to the artist’s creativity and vision, resonating with your own sensibilities. By nurturing a direct relationship with the artist, you not only acquire a unique piece of art but also contribute to preserving Canada’s artistic heritage for future generations.

Monarch of The Arctic Realms – Acrylic – 48 x 48 x 1.5 in (121.92 x 121.92 x 3.81 cm) Brandy Saturley

Unlock the Benefits of Investing in Original Canadian Art:
Whether it’s paintings, sculptures, or photographs, investing in original Canadian art offers both aesthetic and financial rewards. Take advantage of the tax deductions available for business art purchases and explore financing options to make art acquisition more accessible. By infusing your corporate spaces with original Canadian art, you not only enhance your brand’s image but also contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Canada.

Discover a beautiful painting for your lobby or office, now.

Commission a custom painting for your business with Brandy Saturley

February 16, 2024

Significance of Art

New Paintings

Capturing the Zeitgeist: The Significance of Art in Today’s World

In a world pulsating with the rhythms of life, artists emerge as living diving rods—super-sensitive beings attuned to the currents of nature and the symphony of their surroundings. Like sponges, we absorb the essence of our existence, wringing it out through our chosen mediums. For me, creating art is a reflection of my daily journey as a human on this vast canvas we call Earth. It’s a testament to the times we live in—a visual dialogue with the world. Art holds profound significance in today’s world.

Last year, my creative journey manifested in over twenty new original paintings, predominantly sprawling canvases that bore witness to my travels across Canada and reflections on the global landscape. Amidst the chaos, I felt an overwhelming need to embrace the world with a metaphorical hug, and so my art became the conduit for that embrace. I don’t dictate what I paint; I let the creative currents guide me. While I don’t create studies, I delve into my digital catalogue, a treasure trove of captured imagery from my experiences, reworking them into blueprints for future visual stories on canvas.

My artistic journey encompasses a spectrum of mediums—painting, drawing, photography, digital video, and performance. While the paintings stand as the final products, every facet of my creative process becomes art in itself. It’s a holistic approach, where the act of creation becomes as significant as the creation itself.

In 2023, my focus centered on my home studio in Vancouver Island, where I continued my exploration of the polar bear king’s journey. However, the world beckoned my attention to the unfolding events in Ukraine and the devastating fires in Yellowknife, NWT, and Lahaina, Hawaii. From Banff, Alberta, where I delivered my polar bear king paintings to Willock & Sax, to an artist residency in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, my year unfolded as a canvas of diverse experiences.

The culmination of 2023 saw me crafting paintings inspired by Newfoundland, celebrating the indomitable spirit of its people and echoing the resilience of individuals worldwide fighting noble battles. Experimenting with the juxtaposition of oil paint and acrylics, a departure from my usual acrylics and gouache, these two final paintings of the year became vivid pop art expressions of determination.

As we step into 2024, these paintings stand as a sign of the times, capturing the zeitgeist and heralding a new chapter in my artistic journey. Each stroke, each color, is a brushstroke in the grand blueprint of our shared human experience—a visual testimony to the spirit that defines us in this ever-evolving world.

IDOM – 24×18 inches, oil and acrylic on wood panel, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

Portrait of the indomitable Canadian spirit. A woman wrapped in a scarlet red point blanket against a backdrop of Rocky Mountains. Pop art influences and Canadian symbolism throughout.

Rage On – 24×18 inches, oil and acrylic on wood panel, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

Rage on and rage against the dying of the light. A symbolic painting of a fist rising from a mountainous landscape. Wrist wrapped in a multicolor fabric scarf, the sun and starry blue sky behind. Oil and acrylic on wood panel.

Discover more original paintings by contemporary Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley.

January 3, 2024

CANCON Painting Canada

Canadian Paintings

CANCON on and on – Painting Canada

For over a decade, my passion for exploring the vast and diverse landscapes of Canada has fueled my journey as a Canadian Artist. Born and residing on the secluded Vancouver Island, I’ve embarked on a quest to capture the essence of my homeland through the lens of my paintings. In this blog post, I have put together a small curated selection of artworks spanning nearly 15 years, 8 provinces and one Territory. Offering a visual storyteller’s perspective on Canada, from the Atlantic shores of Newfoundland to the northern reaches of the Northwest Territories. I am painting Canada.

The Vancouver Island Biosphere:

Living on Vancouver Island, a jewel on the extreme west coast, I’ve often felt the unique disconnect from the stereotypical Canadian icons. Our island biosphere operates under the unofficial motto, ‘keep it quiet,’ with many locals cherishing the desire to preserve its untouched beauty. While I understand this sentiment, I’ve chosen to share the untold stories of this hidden gem through my art.

Painting by Brandy Saturley for private Vancouver Island residence.

A Collection of Canadian Stories:

In this blog post, I want to briefly touch on a collection of paintings, each telling a story of a specific region within Canada. From the rugged terrain of Newfoundland to the political and cultural heartbeat in Ottawa, my paintings capture the diverse essence of this vast country.

Brandy Saturley in Brandon, Manitoba – 2020

Journey Through the Brushstrokes: CANCON Painting Canada

Newfoundland: An artistic expression of ‘The Rock,’ with its geological wonders, ferocious oceans, and iconic lighthouses guiding cod fishermen.

Painting of Cape Bonavista – The Rock and Roll – 2023

Ottawa: Canada’s capital, a picturesque city on a canal, and the epicenter of political culture.

Painting of CWAC soldier against Canada and British flags – A Remembrance Day Painting 2014

Quebec: A deep dive into the historical significance of its culture and art scene, the heart of hockey, poutine, and maple syrup.

Painting about Ice skating on an outdoor pond in Montreal – 2023

Ontario: The bustling ‘Big Smoke,’ home to the Hockey Hall of Fame, a cultural melting pot, the Great Lakes, and the financial center of the country.

Painting of hockey players ascending the Stanley Cup – 2015

Manitoba: A place of grit and community, known as the center of the country, with wheat kings, pond hockey, and a thriving artistic community.

A painting about Pond Hockey on Lake Winnipeg – 2021

Saskatchewan: The true prairies, a vast expanse of flatlands and farms, where the beauty of canola fields dances with the summer sky.

A painting of a rustic barn in the Saskatchewan prairies – 2020

Alberta: Home to oil, cowboys, and the majestic Rocky Mountains, where hospitality is as abundant as the breathtaking landscapes.

Canoeing at Sunset in Vermillion Lakes – Banff, Alberta – 2022

British Columbia: A haven of trees, sea-to-sky hikes, and warm temperatures, showcasing our commitment to the environment and the well-being of our four-legged friends.

A woman wearing a hat upholding a canoe in front of the ocean – 2016

Northern Territories: A land of the Northern Lights, life on the edge of the Arctic Circle, and a community fiercely independent yet tightly knit in the face of challenging weather.

Painting of a polar bear resting in front of a building in Yellowknife – 2023

Looking Ahead – The Continuing Journey

As I continue to paint Canada, my journey unfolds, and new destinations entice. The Yukon with it’s wild nature and Churchill, with their polar bears, await my artist eyes, while the Maritimes beckon as the next frontier in my evolving obsession with Canada. Join me as I delve deeper into the collective consciousness of this extraordinary country, capturing its soul one brushstroke at a time.

See more original paintings by Brandy Saturley here.

December 22, 2023

Painting of the Year

Art Career

Top 5 Paintings for 2023 – Selecting Painting of the Year

Each year in November, we take a look back at the paintings I have made over the course of the year. This year 28 new paintings found their way from my hand, to canvas, which makes choosing a painting of the year challenging. It was a year where my Ukrainian roots, the changing and warming climate with our long hot summer (wildfire season) and the continuing journey of the Polar Bear King, were on my mind. My year began with a group exhibition in Banff at Willock & Sax Gallery, as my paintings and writing from my residency at the Banff Centre were still commanding my attention.

Brandy Saturley in Thom Studio at Banff Centre, November 2022.

The year began with paintings of people enjoying skating on outdoor ponds. The Polar Bear King on his continuing journey across Canada, came floating in and out of my view as I created a series of small and large paintings expressing what has now become a series, and a few stories for this blog about my adventures in the Canadian landscape. I came to find my way back to figurative paintings inspired by my deep connection to the Ukraine and family roots. A portrait of young Ukrainian Shumka dancers and a self-portrait to add to my growing series of annual examinations of self.

I found myself blogging about top Canadian painters, Ukrainian Artists, and art school teachers who have reached out to me this year. It has been wonderful to connect with the next generation, hear and see what they are inspired to make in their art classes. I delved into the Lawren Harris and Rockwell Kent connection and how both painters have captured my attention over the years. In Banff, I had the pleasure of making work for an art gallery outdoors on the Bow River path in the centre of town, the Art in Nature Trail.

Brandy Saturley – Art in Nature Trail, summer 2023

You could find my paintings in print this year in two Toronto publications; the Hart House Review published by the University of Toronto and smART Magazine – both equally wonderful Arts publications made in Toronto, Canada. In August I finished my 21st Polar Bear King painting, in as series which continues to grow and evolve. Heading back to my writing room, I leaned into blogging about the importance of music in my art making and the healing power of Art.

There was also some talking this year, live on camera, something I don’t do very often. I spoke with Artists in Canada about my art practice, my goals, why a five year goal is a fluid thing as a professional artist and why I paint self-portraits. We touched on the privilege of not only living in Canada, but of being able to pursue a career you absolutely love. I also signed on with Mastrius as a Master Mentor and hope to assist emerging artists in their journeys. I delved into why Pop Art is Canada and how I am taking care of business as I work towards new opportunities for my Art.

Brandy Saturley talking with Artists in Canada YouTube channel.

In late 2023 I packed up my studio and took it with me to an artist residency in Newfoundland. The Pouch Cove Foundation, now 30 years in the residency business, invited me to join their group in October. For a month I had the opportunity to paint, photograph, and film many areas of Newfoundland, from a private studio with a loft attached to a building housing the remarkable James Baird Gallery. With my time in Newfoundland I created three new paintings, which then came home with me to Vancouver Island, dipping my feet in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, I am now a coast to coast to coast, Canadian artist. This opened a door to ARTSY and you will now find some of my paintings available through James Baird Gallery on this top website for art collectors and galleries worldwide.

As the Polar Bear King continues to roam, so do I. Out of 28, here are what I consider to be my five best paintings of 2023.

5. Peaking at Peyto

The Polar Bear King at Willock & Sax Gallery, Banff CANADA

4. Glide Away

Skaters on frozen ponds.

3. Spirit of Ukraine

A group of young Ukrainian Shumka dancers.

2. I Lost my Sou’Wester in Pouch Cove

A yellow Sou’Wester hat on the rocky beach in Newfoundland.

1. Monarch of the Artic Realms

The Polar Bear King in Nunavut.

November 22, 2023

Journey of Art Newfoundland

Artist Process, Artist Residency

Day 24: Pouch Cove Artist Residency

As the third week drew to a close, my journey of Art through Newfoundland’s landscape continued to be a profoundly enlightening exploration of the Canadian spirit. The eastern expanse of Canada, known as “The Rock,” feels like a world apart. With three oversized paintings in progress, their loose canvases affixed to my studio wall, I find myself on the brink of a final contemplative phase, from the comfort of a new chair, yes b’y.

Like the lyrics of that famous song suggest, I’ve roamed far and wide. I’ve traversed the highs and lows of the East Coast trails, wandered through neighborhoods, and stood mesmerized by the beauty and the relentless power of the ocean as it carves into cliffs adorned with hues of red, ochre, plum, Payne’s grey, and aquamarine blue. I’ve been drenched by Atlantic saltwater, soaking my waterproof hiking boots all the way through to my skin, even tumbling to my knees once to save my trusty Nikon from the brink of demise. (Always protect the camera, they say.)

Every day, I’m accompanied by a chorus of crows, sparrows, and, of course, the notorious east coast wind. This wind is as mighty as the sea, capable of leveling all in its path and humbling every form of life. Summer and fall seem to blend here, with some scorching days of sunshine followed by RDF (rain, drizzle, and fog), not too different from my hometown on Vancouver Island during winter.

As I enter my final week here, my mind brims with the tasks I wish to accomplish before heading home. First and foremost, I’m determined to finish all three paintings and prepare them for their journey home. Once there, I’ll hang them in my studio and meticulously complete the stretching and varnishing process, one of which will be sent back to Pouch Cove. Three visual narratives on canvas, recounting the stories of my adventures on the Avalon Peninsula and along the coast.

I’ll return home with a belly full of cod and a heart overflowing with affection for this place. In many ways, Newfoundland feels like a step back in time, reminiscent of the 1980s, where the world seems to have frozen in place. From this point on, I’ll affectionately refer to it as “Planet Newfoundland,” a place that seems to float in the sky while the rest of Canada races forward. Despite its size, I see this island as an amalgamation of small towns and communities, each living life on their own terms, tucked away from the rest of the world.

The week rushed by with its studio visits, heartfelt farewells, and visits to art galleries in St. John’s. I even caught a Newfoundland Growlers hockey game and shared the warmth of a family gathering with true Newfoundlanders. I instantly felt at ease here; there’s no pretension, just people coming together to share their passions and treasures, all laced with a biting sense of humor.

The residency hosts a diverse array of artists, from painters to illustrators, photographers to musicians. As I immerse myself in my work, I can sense the harmonious energy and bustling creativity that flows through the walls of my studio. There’s an unmistakable synergy in the air.

Entering my final week here, a profound sense of gratitude washes over me. This experience will resonate within my very being for a long time to come.

October 24, 2023