Posts

My Essential Studio Tools

Items For Painters – My Essential Studio Tools

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

Brandy Saturley Studio, Vancouver Island, Canada, 2024

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

Brandy Saturley Studio – Victoria BC Canada, 2024

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

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

Brandy Saturley Studio – North Saanich, Canada, 2023

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

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

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

Golden Fluid Acrylic Paints and Mediums

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy art making everyone!

Sincerely Yours,

Brandy Saturley

April 18, 2024

Creativity and Mental Health

Advice for Artists, Art Career

Breaking the Myth: Mental Illness and Creativity Unraveled

The widely held belief that mental illness and creativity are inextricably linked has become a romanticized notion ingrained in our collective consciousness. However, it’s crucial to dispel this myth from the outset: mental illness is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for creativity. As we explore this intriguing topic, we uncover the nuances that challenge this prevailing belief and shed light on the complex relationship between mental health and creative expression.

“There is only one difference between a madman and me. I am not mad.” —Salvador Dali

Exploring the Connection:
While researchers emphasize that mental illness doesn’t guarantee creativity, recent findings reveal intriguing patterns. Siblings of individuals with autism and first-degree relatives of those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and anorexia nervosa are disproportionately represented in creative professions. This raises questions about the potential inheritance of traits conducive to creativity while avoiding the debilitating aspects of mental illness.

Personal Reflection:
Growing up as the eldest child in a family where one parent navigated artistic pursuits and mental health challenges, I witnessed firsthand the impact of these dynamics. The global pandemic further brought to light the prevalence of less debilitating forms of mental illness, particularly affecting teenagers facing disruptions in their crucial stages of growth and learning.

Dreaming Under Northern Lights, 36×36 acrylic on canvas, 2022 – Brandy Saturley

Silver Linings: Mental Health and Creativity

A big positive of this time was it brought to light many things, all at once, and got us all talking, sharing, and expressing ourselves. As we continue to share and learn about what makes us all tick, we continue to evolve as humans living together on this planet. I too learned that I’m not impervious to the effects of stress and anxiety, which ultimately landed me burned out in a hospital bed for a month during the pandemic, it was quite the experience and something that I will write about at some point, but for now I’ll just say, it was another reminder from the universe to ‘slow down’ and take care.

Brandy Saturley in her studio at Royal College of Art, London, England, 2019

Today, I am looking back at a short documentary that was filmed just months before the pandemic broke out around the world. It is a cool trip back to a moment in time when I was just coming off a month in London, England at the Royal College of Art, my confidence was at an all-time high and I was ready to take on this next chapter of my career as a professional Artist.

Now having experienced what is one of the most prolific periods of my career, which has resulted in tremendous growth both personally and professionally. It is a period where ‘imposter syndrome’ has now largely disappeared and I am open to everything in a way I have never been before. I am also enjoying the ride much more, not putting the same pressures on myself, though my expectations will always be ‘A-type personality high’.

I want to share with you this short documentary film (about 25 minutes) by the very talented Canadian filmmaker, Randy Frykas. Although filmed at the end of 2019, this new version includes an epilogue updated for 2024.

In embracing the complexities of mental health and creativity, we challenge stereotypes and foster a deeper understanding of the human experience. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our lives, let us approach challenges with resilience and, in the words of my chiropractor, “Just, Keep, Moving”.

With gratitude,
Brandy Saturley

January 24, 2024

Engaging Canada Portrait Project

Art Career

Engaging Faces: Celebrating 10 Years with The People of Canada Portrait Project

In 2014, I began a new body of work (series of paintings) The People of Canada Portrait Project, and fast-forward to 2020, we marked the culmination with a groundbreaking 3D virtual exhibition that made waves during the pandemic. As we hit the remarkable 10-year milestone in 2024, I can’t help but extend a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to the bold souls across Canada, engaging with me in this artistic journey.

The People of Canada Portrait Project. 2014-2020

Out of a myriad of submitted photos, I handpicked twenty, transforming them into figurative landscape paintings that encapsulate the essence of being Canadian. The subjects, captured in selfies with someone significant in their lives, underwent a brief interview process. Twenty questions unearthed the unique nuances of their relationships, thoughts on Canadian identity, and cultural traditions, which I then wove into the iconic Canadian landscapes that became the backdrop for their portraits.

Vimy Jam – painting by Brandy Saturley, 2018

Over six years, amidst the whirlwind of developing my career as a full-time visual artist, this became a passion project – fully funded by yours truly. While online support through blogs, notably from CBC, was abundant, I never sought or received a grant. Unexpectedly, the portraits began to find homes with the very people who inspired them. Some even received prints as a token of gratitude for promoting the project.

Canadien’s Gothic – This painting was exhibited in Sherwood Park Alberta at Gallery @501 and won a People’s Choice award, Summer 2014.

Reflecting on this journey, I invite you to explore the intimate interviews and portraits on our project website, peopleofcanada.ca. Throughout this period, I navigated a personal battle with cervical cancer, undergoing surgery and recovery. Although it posed a detour, it never derailed my commitment to both my career and this project.

Futurebrights – by Brandy Saturley, 2014

In 2016, I embarked on a self-funded journey, crisscrossing the country from Yellowknife to Ottawa, with stops in Toronto and Montreal in between, leaving pieces of my story in every city. Some knew of my health challenges, while others didn’t, yet I pressed on, fueled by passion and determination. In 2017, I was contracted to exhibit my work in retrospective art exhibitions, and I took my art on the road, showcasing in solo gallery shows across Alberta. Most notably a 30 painting show in Sherwood Park, Alberta at Strathcona County Gallery @501 and a smaller 20 painting show with Okotoks Art Gallery, just outside Calgary.

Canadianisms: A Half Decade Painting Canada, 2017 solo exhibition Gallery @501 Sherwood Park, Alberta

Last year brought a transformative residency with the Pouch Cove Foundation in Newfoundland, unveiling the mysteries of the easternmost coast of North America. As 2024 unfolds, I’m eager to commemorate this journey and discover the untold stories it holds. As we step into the New Year, I’m optimistic that choosing to focus on the positives and finding that silver lining will make this year truly great. Here’s to more art, more connections, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. Happy New Year, everyone!

Brandy Saturley, Canadian Artist and People of Canada Portrait Project Creator

January 5, 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

Annual Art Magazine Release

Art For Sale, Canadian Art

Announcing the Release of Our Annual Art Magazine: A Celebration of Canadian Creativity.

Every year, we take great joy in producing an exclusive art magazine for collectors and supporters of the Art of Brandy Saturley. This annual art magazine release is our heartfelt gift of gratitude to those who have been a driving force in sustaining the career of this exceptional Canadian artist, supporting her through investments in her paintings and enabling her to continue doing what she does best—creating art. Brandy Saturley’s contemporary interpretations of the collective Canadian consciousness, as seen through her eyes, are visual narratives that resonate not only with Canadians but also with those who have a deep love for Canada.

Some of the many Art Magazines published over the past decade.

NEW THIS YEAR! – Annual Art Magazine Release

The Art of Brandy Saturley is thrilled to offer this year’s annual art magazine to art enthusiasts worldwide through our online shop. This magazine, usually reserved as a private token of appreciation, is now available for purchase. The 2023 edition takes viewers on a captivating visual journey, providing a curated selection of 64 paintings spanning the years 2010-2023, personally chosen by the artist herself.

Immerse yourself in a visual retrospective that reveals the evolution of Brandy Saturley’s unique artistic voice, showcasing her profound connection with the Canadian landscape. Within the pages of this visual magazine, discover vivid compositions that bring the iconic landscapes of Canada to life. These symbolic, dynamic, and colorful paintings narrate the artist’s odyssey across the vast canvas of Canada, with each stroke serving as a testament to her love of painting and the stories she weaves.

Step into the world of Brandy Saturley, where each painting is a chapter, and every page turns into a visual tale. More than just a magazine, this publication is an exploration of contemporary Canadian art, offering an intimate encounter with the artist’s journey and celebrating the boundless creativity that defines Saturley’s work. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a stunning compilation—a must-have for any art lover seeking to embrace the spirit of a true Canadian artist.

November 24, 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

21st Polar Bear Painting

New Paintings

The Journey of the Polar Bear King Continues: Unveiling the 21st Polar Bear Painting

As our world evolves amidst the warming climate and melting ice, the polar bear, a majestic symbol of this changing landscape, has captivated my attention for several years. This year, more than ever before, I find myself drawn to the allure of this beautiful beast draped in a snowy white cape. My artistic journey intertwines with that of the polar bear, resulting in the completion of my 21st painting, a testament to our ongoing exploration together.

Focused on the Arctic realms, my new painting narrates a captivating story that encompasses landscapes, nature, and the people of this pristine region.

The Chair of Contemplation: finishing the 21st polar bear painting

A New Narrative: Monarch of the Arctic Realms

This contemporary masterpiece unveils a majestic mountain landscape, adorned with ethereal brushstroke clouds and glistening icy waters, reflecting the ever-changing Arctic sky. At the forefront of this scene stands a magnificent polar bear, its regal presence subtly emphasized by the mystical outline of a crown hovering above its angular head. A ptarmigan bird perched atop this majestic creature adds a touch of whimsy, symbolizing the delicate balance within the Arctic ecosystem.

Beneath the polar bear, a young girl draped in vibrant red captures our attention. She finds solace amidst the frigid beauty of the Arctic, concealing herself behind a bouquet of vivid purple saxifrage, a stark contrast to the surrounding icy palette. The landscape, in a state of flux, portrays the undeniable impact of the changing world around us.

The mountains, rendered with mesmerizing simplicity, stand as bold blocks of color and dynamic contrasting stripes. This stunning piece is skillfully painted on raw cotton duck canvas, a deliberate choice that softens the artist’s edges while enhancing the allure of pop art-inspired outlines. The canvas, infused with fluid acrylics, creates a captivating effect, where colors flow into the very fabric of the artwork, imbuing it with a sense of depth and fluidity.

This painting tells a captivating narrative, serving as a profound commentary on the evolving Arctic, showcased on a grand canvas that commands attention. Its beauty and storytelling prowess elevate it to the status of a true masterpiece, inviting viewers to contemplate the delicate balance of nature and humanity within this ever-changing landscape.

As the polar bear’s presence continues to permeate my artistic vision, I’m moving beyond the canvas. To further develop this series, I’ve started incorporating short stories into my work, with the future creation of sculptures in mind.

Monarch of The Arctic Realms acrylic and gouache on canvas 48 x 48 x 1.5 in (121.92 x 121.92 x 3.81 cm) Brandy Saturley 2023

The Details: the 21st Polar Bear Painting

See more images of this new contemporary polar bear painting by Brandy Saturley.

“I AM The Polar Bear, and The Polar Bear is ME.”

This year, I’ve produced 12 new paintings featuring this magnificent white bear, often adorned with a crown of gold leaf. One of my polar bear paintings can be found on the Art in Nature Trail in Banff, Canada, and 7 smaller works are exhibited in the Willock & Sax Gallery in downtown Banff, appropriately located on Bear Street.

August 11, 2023

Tulip Still Life Paintings

Art For Sale, Artist Process

For the Love of Tulips & Tartans: New Tulip Still Life Paintings

I am excited to unveil two new captivating paintings that showcase the beauty and complexity of still life compositions. These new vibrant tulip still life paintings feature stunning red and yellow tulips bordered by a variety of tartan cloth. Through a unique blend of pop art, realism, and abstraction, I seek to offer you a fresh and captivating perspective on this timeless genre.

Chilliwack Tulip Festival 2023 – photo by Brandy Saturley

Contemporary Tulip Still Life Paintings: inception of an idea

Recently I visited the Chilliwack Tulip festival, in the farming community of Chilliwack, not far from Vancouver, Canada. A short ferry ride and drive from my studio on Vancouver Island, the tulip fields offer an annual opportunity for a Hollandesque experience in fields of tulips, daffodils and hyacinth. A feast for the eyes of an artist who works from photography captured on trips across Canada.

Chilliwack Tulip Festival 2023 – photo by Brandy Saturley

The Idea Takes Shape:

Returning home to my studio I sort through hundreds of vivid photos of tulips and think about how my next paintings will take shape. While there is an urge to paint a traditional landscape, that is not really what I do, rather I enjoy taking elements of the landscape and re-arranging them to honour these elements as icons in my paintings. My pop art expressions of the landscapes I encounter. My brain begins to think on these tulips and the joy of the experience wandering in the fields, the tulips seemed to dance and have personalities all their own. In my mind I began to see tartan, lots of tartans, draping around a canvas, creating an abstract border, with shadows, shapes and colour. I sought out some scraps of tartan from my local kiltmaker, and brought them home to my studio and began arranging them the way I had seen in my mind, around the edges of a canvas.

The Beauty of Contrasts:

In these paintings, the contrasting colors and textures take center stage. The radiant red and yellow tulips are juxtaposed against vivid and supersaturated backgrounds, bordered by intricate patterns of the tartan cloth, creating a visually striking and harmonious contrast. It is this interplay of vibrant hues and intricate designs that draws you into the story of these paintings, inviting you to explore its depths and intricacies.

Photo of palette in Brandy Saturley studio

A Playful Exploration of Space:

One of the most exciting aspects of these paintings is the way they play with positive and negative space. Inspired by the ever-changing formations of clouds, I wanted to create artworks that offer a new discovery every time you engage with them. Through a combination of realism and abstraction, I’m inviting you to delve deeper into the paintings, uncovering hidden nuances and subtle details that may have eluded you at first glance. Painted using acrylics, neon hues of gouache and detailed with gold leaf elements, while the subjects remain still, the area surrounding vibrates.

Photo of tartan and paintings in Brandy Saturley studio.

Embracing the Influence of Pop Art:

The infusion of my signature pop art elements adds a contemporary twist to the traditional still life genre. With bold and vibrant colors, meticulous attention to detail, and a nod to popular culture, I strive to create a visual language that captivates and engages the viewer. By incorporating pop art aesthetics into the depiction of classic subjects, I hope to challenge your perception and encourage you to see everyday objects in a fresh and exciting light.

Photo of tulip paintings in progress – Brandy Saturley studio.

Much like the ever-shifting forms of clouds…

Brandy Saturley in her North Saanich, Canada studio

These new still life paintings represent a journey of creativity and exploration. As an artist, I am thrilled to share my passion with you and invite you to join me on this artistic adventure. The vibrant red and yellow tulips, complemented by the intricate tartan cloth, create a visual symphony that continuously evolves, much like the ever-shifting forms of clouds. Through the manipulation of positive and negative space, I create an ever-changing and captivating viewing experience. I am honored to share my artistic vision with you and look forward to the discoveries and emotions that these paintings will evoke.

Tartan Tulip – Lemon acrylic, gouache, gold leaf 36 x 24 x 1.5 in (91.44 x 60.96 x 3.81 cm) C$4,400 Brandy Saturley

Tartan Tulip – Rouge acrylic, gouache, gold leaf 36 x 24 x 1.5 in (91.44 x 60.96 x 3.81 cm) C$4,400 Brandy Saturley

These paintings were created on the very latest in sustainable canvas technology. Painted on cloth canvas made of recycled plastic bottles, it is my first time trying out Liquitex Sustain professional canvas. Each canvas seen here represents 18 recycled plastic bottles. More about these unique canvasses.

See more original paintings by Canadian Pop Artist, Brandy Saturley, now.

May 30, 2023

Interview: Canadian Art Today

PRESS

Unveiling the World of a Canadian Artist: An Interview with Canadian Art Today

Art has the remarkable ability to transcend boundaries, connect people, and evoke emotions in ways that words often fail to capture. In the vibrant and diverse art scene of Canada, we find countless talented individuals who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of creativity. Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with a remarkable Canadian artist, whose paintings have garnered her attention as the ‘Voice of Canadian Pop Art’ and are captivating art enthusiasts far and wide. Snippets from an interview for Canadian Art Today, with Canadian Artist and Pop Art style Painter, Brandy Saturley.

What is a professional Canadian Artist? Art is influenced by everything, everywhere, all the time. Being dedicated to a full-time career as an artist in Canada, means working at it more than a standard full-time job. In this clip Saturley talks about her work ethic and views on what it means to be a professional.

Paul Constable from Artists in Canada, speaking with Canadian Artist and Painter, Brandy Saturley.

Big Art Dreams: Saturley talks about being an artist that looked beyond her local market on Vancouver Island.

Five Year Goal: does that exist for an Artist? The moving target…

Why does Saturley paint self-portraits?

Time and Space for creativity to grow and expand: talking about the award of an artist residency at Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity

From The West Coast, to The East Coast: artist residency at Pouch Cove Art Foundation, Fall 2023

The Privilege of Being Canadian: talking about the freedom a Canadian passport affords

The Art Shipping Crates: when the mode of transporting a painting becomes Art itself.

Is the Goalie’s Mask Painting for Sale? how can we buy your art and what is the current price range for original paintings by Brandy Saturley?

As our conversation draws to a close, we come away with a profound appreciation for the remarkable talent and dedication that Canadian artists bring to the world. Through this interview, we have gained valuable insights into the life and career of a full-time professional artist, and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of our guest, Brandy Saturley. With her mesmerizing artwork and unwavering passion, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Canadian Art Today is hosted by Paul Constable, Director of ArtistsInCanada.com from Saskatchewan, Canada. This episode was recorded live, and as a result carries all the quirks of producing a live interview in three different locations simultaneously.

May 12, 2023

Professional Artist

Art Business

What is a Professional Artist?

In Canada, according to the Canada Council for The Arts, professional artist is defined as an artist who has specialized training in their artistic field (not necessarily in academic institutions), is recognized as a professional by his or her peers, is committed to devoting more time to artistic activity, if possible financially, and has a history of public presentation or publication. In legal terms a professional Artist is defined as an individual who has a history of paid work as an Artist. Being a professional artist also means you have the character traits and habits to persist in your aim, even in the face of challenge and lack of earnings.

Anyone can consider themselves a professional artist, but that doesn’t make it so.

I watched a child trip on a curb and skin her knee. Her mother stopped to put a bandaid on the wound. Does this make her a doctor? or a nurse? My aunt takes painting classes and paints for enjoyment now and then, does that make her an Artist? There are many hobbyists and amateurs in the world of Art. What sets the professionals apart is every detail from our dedicated process for developing new artworks, through to finishing, presentation and delivery of the work. When I was in London at the Royal College of Art painting and expanding my mind and abilities as a contemporary painter, I came to see that in Europe, I did not have to explain why my profession of Artist, is a legitimate profession. When I was in New York City exploring the galleries in Chelsea, I did not have to explain that Artist is a legitimate profession. I also didn’t have to preface it with, “I’m a full-time professional Artist”. It is not the same in Canada, except for perhaps in Montreal and Toronto. Even though I have been making Art since birth, have training, public and commercial gallery shows and representation, and have been earning a full-time living from making Art for over 17 years. I know that I still have to educate people I meet, about what the profession of Artist really means.

While there is no universally agreed-upon definition, several key elements characterize a professional artist. Firstly, they possess a high degree of technical skill and expertise in their chosen medium or discipline. They have typically undergone extensive training, education, or self-directed learning to develop their artistic abilities to a professional level.

Secondly, professional artists demonstrate a consistent and focused commitment to their artistic practice. They invest significant time and effort in creating artwork, often adhering to a disciplined work routine and meeting deadlines. They recognize the importance of continuous growth and improvement, and they actively seek opportunities to develop their skills and expand their artistic horizons.

Financial sustainability is another hallmark of a professional artist. They derive a significant portion, if not all, of their income from the sale of their artwork, commissions, grants, or other artistic endeavors. They approach their art as a business, managing contracts, negotiations, pricing, marketing, and financial aspects associated with their profession.

Professional artists also exhibit a level of professionalism in their interactions and collaborations. They maintain ethical standards, meet their obligations, communicate effectively, and conduct themselves with integrity when dealing with clients, galleries, curators, and other stakeholders in the art world.

Ultimately, the definition of a professional artist encompasses a combination of technical skill, dedication, financial sustainability, and professionalism. It is a term that denotes not only artistic talent but also the commitment to pursue art as a serious and viable career path.

Being a Successful Artist in Today’s Age Means Embracing Technology

It was 20 years ago I taught myself to write HTML in order to create my first website for my Art. Thank goodness it is a lot easier these days to create and maintain a website and my inventory, thanks to technology.

In today’s age, the role of an Artist has evolved beyond being a talented creator. While artistic talent remains a crucial aspect, the importance of being a skilled marketer cannot be overstated. To achieve success and widespread recognition, Artists must possess the ability to effectively promote themselves through various means, particularly the Internet and social media. The Internet and social media have revolutionized the way we consume and discover art. They provide Artists with unprecedented opportunities to reach a global audience, connect with fans and collectors, and build their personal brand. By leveraging these platforms, Artists can showcase their work, share their creative process, and engage directly with their audience.

Being an effective marketer allows Artists to create their own narrative, shape their image, and control how they are perceived by the public. They can strategically curate their online presence to align with their artistic vision and values. Through engaging storytelling and compelling visuals, Artists can captivate and connect with their audience on a deeper level, fostering a sense of loyalty and emotional connection.

Moreover, Artists who possess marketing skills can tap into various revenue streams beyond traditional art sales. They can explore collaborations, licensing opportunities, merchandise sales, and crowdfunding platforms to support their creative endeavors. By diversifying their income streams, Artists can maintain financial stability while continuing to pursue their artistic passions.

Furthermore, Artists who are adept at marketing can navigate the competitive art world more effectively. They can identify and target specific niches, build relationships with galleries, art dealers, and influencers, and seize opportunities for exhibitions, commissions, and partnerships.

The ability to market oneself has become an essential component of an Artist’s success in today’s digital era. By mastering the art of self-promotion, Artists can expand their reach, connect with their audience, and achieve recognition and financial sustainability. Embracing the role of an Artist as a marketer allows for greater creative autonomy and the opportunity to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving art landscape.

May 10, 2023