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WILDLIFE Art Exhibition Project

Opening March 31, 2024: WILDLIFE Art Exhibition Project

Experience the untamed beauty of nature from the comfort of your screen with the WILDLIFE Spring Art Exhibition Project, hosted by the esteemed John B. Aird Gallery in Toronto, Canada. In a world where digital connections have become paramount, we invite you to embark on a visual journey that transcends boundaries and celebrates many Artists expressions of WILDLIFE.

Since its inception in 1975, the John B. Aird Gallery has been a beacon of artistic expression, championing the work of Canadian artists and fostering a vibrant cultural community. Named in honor of Ontario’s 23rd Lieutenant Governor, the gallery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and innovation.

With the onset of the pandemic, the gallery has embraced the digital realm, bringing its exhibitions to a global audience. This spring, join us as we unveil the WILDLIFE project, curated by renowned Montreal gallerists André Laroche and Louis Joncas. Featuring contributions from 62 artists and showcasing 71 mesmerizing pieces, this exhibition promises to inspire and captivate.

Proud to be selected for this unique project and virtual exhibition, I am thrilled to present my painting ‘Monarch of the Arctic Realms’, a homage to the majestic polar bear and its habitat. Selected as artwork of the year in 2023, this piece invites viewers into the serene yet powerful world of the Arctic wilderness.

Monarch of The Arctic Realms – acrylic and gouache on raw canvas, 2023 Brandy Saturley

62 Artists: WILDLIFE Art Exhibition Project

Don’t miss your chance to experience the WILDLIFE exhibition, accessible online at the Aird Gallery website. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and join the conversation surrounding contemporary art and visual culture. Visit https://airdgallery.org to explore the exhibition and discover a world of creativity at your fingertips. Additionally, a publication featuring the showcased artwork will be available for perusal on the website at https://airdgallery.org/publications/. Join us as we celebrate the intersection of art and visual culture in this unforgettable showcase of talent and inspiration.

March 19, 2024

International Women’s Day Artists

Canadian Paintings, Women Painters

Women to Love and Collect: International Women’s Day

I recently saw a question posted to X (Twitter) from the National Gallery of Canada asking the question, can you name five women artists? I thought to myself, absolutely! Who couldn’t, but then I remember I am an Artist, so it should be easier for me than a non-artist. I have written about my favourite historical women painters, and I could write about many more, in Canada and beyond. On this International Women’s Day I am looking at five of my favourite contemporary women artists, from Canada. These women make art I would gladly exhibit mine alongside.

When I take a deep dive and think about which female Canadian painters we will be talking about twenty years from now, my list is short, and I am not sure if this is because there is a lack of representation in commercial galleries in Canada, or if it is because there are so few very strong voices amongst the contemporary women painters in Canada today. In any case the following five female painters are significant, offering strong contributions to contemporary Canadian Art, that will be heard for generations to come. Here are five female Canadian painters to love on International Women’s Day and beyond.

LAURIE PAPOU, British Columbia – I first became aware of Laurie Papou’s figurative paintings during an exhibition of a body of work titled, ‘A Group of Seven’ which presented the artist fully nude alongside her partner in various poses and locations in nature. It was quite the statement the artist was making about our forests, clearcutting and herself as a female artist in a male dominated profession. The ultimate self-portrait series. She is an artist, a warrior and a nature lover.

JANICE INISKIM-AKI TANTON, Alberta – I remember standing in the Glenbow museum, I think it was 2013, I turned a corner and walked into a room that held this immense painting, a comment on being Canadian, from an Indigenous perspective. The painting titled ‘Undercurrents’, featured a canoe hovering above a lake, on this red canoe were 9 people. Children with a Hudson’s Bay blanket, a lumberjack or fisherman in plaid jacket, a construction worker, a hockey player, a young woman in a Christian wedding dress and another seated below. At the helm, a Blackfoot chief. A beautiful figurative painting filled with symbolism and narrative.

CAROL WAINIO, Ontario – It may have been 2007 and I was standing inside Trepanier Baer gallery in Calgary. On view was an immense Carol Wainio painting. A somewhat dreamy and dirty landscape, with limited contrast and mostly muted pastels, garbage and pop culture strewn around a landscape that made me think of landfills. Repetitious short strokes and earthy tones. I was captivated by the underlying narrative that you had to search for to find. Weaving a story using abstraction and flatness, I kept trying to find the light in this murky ferrytale. It was unlike any painting I had ever seen before. I was captivated.

JENN MANN, Ontario – figurative, pop culture, self-portaits and candy colors – I was at the 2016 Toronto Art Fair when I first laid eyes on Mann’s paintings in person. They were candy coated goodness, with warrior heart. Pop culture masterpieces that glowed of pink and veils of light. I wanted to lick these paintings and find out how they tasted. A young artist with much to say, and I was listening. Mann captures youthful passion and enthusiasm and screams, ‘I’m Here to Steal Your Soul’.

DEE BARSY, Manitoba – I see so many things in this Indigenous Winnipeg artists work. I see Janvier, Bush and automobile decals. Her paintings are graphically pleasing and her designs executed precisely. Her signature teal backgrounds are distinctive and brand her work immediately. I sometimes see patterns for future beadwork in her compositions. She is a young Canadian Artist on the rise, and the stars aren’t the limit. Can’t wait to see where her work takes her next.

So head out in the world to your local art galleries and museums and find some women artists to love, and share what you love with your friends. Word of mouth is still the best way to discover new artists to love, collect and share with the next generation. Here are few more women painters to know right now.

March 7, 2024

Famous Self-Taught Artists

Art Career

Embracing the Journey: Celebrating Famous Self-Taught Artists

In the quiet moments of my childhood, amidst the rustle of leaves and the scent of creativity, I found solace in art alongside my mother. Each day brought forth a new creation, a testament to our shared passion for expression. From pressed maple leaves to wax crayon masterpieces, our bond grew stronger with every stroke. Though my mother wasn’t a renowned artist, her self-taught spirit ignited a flame within me, urging me to pursue the path of creation. Celebrating the path of famous self-taught artists.

Pencil Portrait on paper, 1992, Brandy Saturley

My journey as an artist took an unconventional route, guided by intuition and fueled by exploration. While I dabbled in formal art education, it was the lessons learned outside the classroom that truly shaped my artistic identity. Through travels and encounters with seasoned painters, I gleaned insights that transcended traditional teachings. Two such mentors, a self-taught luminary from Winnipeg, and one in Toronto, imparted wisdom that resonated deeply, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of self-discovery in art.

Brandy Saturley and Charles Pachter, 2016, MOFO Moose Factory Toronto

As a Canadian Artist who thrives on experimentation, I’ve come to cherish the freedom that self-teaching affords. While technique and history certainly hold their place, there’s a raw authenticity to self-taught art that speaks volumes. It’s a realm where emotion reigns supreme, untouched by the constraints of formal instruction. And while some may seek to replicate my style, my greatest desire is to inspire others to tread their own path, fearlessly embracing the unknown.

Andrew Valko, Brandy Saturley and Jennifer Luckay at Art Toronto, 2016

The history of self-taught artists is as rich and diverse as the art they create. From iconic figures like Frida Kahlo, The Beatles, and Vincent Van Gogh to modern-day trailblazers like Jack White, David Bowie and Kurt Cobain, their stories inspire us to defy convention and forge our own destiny. In a world where artistic prowess is often equated with formal training, they stand as living testaments to the boundless power of self-expression.

Gordon Milne and Brandy Saturley, 2017 Okotoks Art Gallery, photo courtesy Penny Rogers

A Modern Autodidact I AM – Famous Self-Taught Artists

Today, being self-taught is not merely a label, but a badge of honor worn proudly by those who dare to challenge the status quo. It’s a declaration of independence, a refusal to conform to the rigid confines of the art establishment. And as we celebrate the mavericks and innovators who have carved their own paths, let us raise a toast to the enduring spirit of self-discovery in art.

In the history of creativity, each thread tells a story of resilience, passion, and unwavering determination. So here’s to the self-taught artists who dare to dream, who dare to defy, and who dare to create against all odds. May their legacy inspire generations to come, reminding us that true art knows no boundaries, no limitations, only the boundless expanse of the human spirit.

Brandy Saturley in studio with Winnipeg Filmmaker Randy Frykas, 2019

February 29, 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

Canadian Artists to Collect

Advice for Art Collectors

20 Contemporary Canadian Artists to Collect Right Now.

Do professional Artists collect other Artist’s work? Hell yes we do, of course we do, we were born loving Art. In addition to collecting my own work, I collect work by other artists, mostly painters and mostly Canadian. Whether gifted, traded for, bought at auction, online or in a artists gallery, I am also a collector of primarily Canadian Artists. Here is a list of twenty Canadian Artists, I would put in my collection right now!

Terry McCue is an Ojibway artist from the Curve Lake First Nation, in southeastern Ontario. I love his use of colour and subject matter. Bold and graphically pleasing contemporary Indigenous artworks. Canada House Gallery, Banff, Alberta Canada
Marsha Schuld is a multi-media artist working out of her studio in southern Saskatchewan. I love her clay crows and owls as well as her distinctive embroidery pieces. She received a second to none education from the skilled tutors at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). The result is a proudly earned Certification with Merit from the people who embroider the Queen’s coronation robes. Willock & Sax, Banff Alberta Canada
Luther Pokrant his illustration work is thematic or historical, often of other artists or their work, or the creative process itself. I love his use of colour, his dreamy subject matter and palettes and his visual storytelling. Mayberry Fine Art, Winnipeg
Diana Thorneycroft is a Winnipeg artist and photographer who became known for her installation photographs and re-creations of Group of Seven paintings. She brings humour to the socio-political commentary and stories she is weaving through her detailed photographs. Michael Gibson Gallery, London Ontario
Winnie Truong is a Toronto artist working with drawing and animation to explore ideas of identity, feminism, and fantasy and finding its connections and transgressions in the natural world. I love her drawings, they are precise designs with feminine treasures and stories held within. Patel Brown Gallery, Toronto Canada
Mike Hansen is a senior Canadian artist who uses sound and noise to develop artworks in various mediums. He is well known as an established colourist painter, sound artist and experimental musician. His body of work explores the visualization of sound and noise. While I love his large abstract paintings of colour and form, I was quite intrigued by his upholstered pieces that I slept under at the Pouch Cove residency in Newfoundland. James Baird Gallery, Newfoundland
Andrew Valko is a well-known Canadian Hyper-Realist whose paintings explore the psychological tension caused by observation. Layered with open-ended ambiguity, his compositions subtly weave narratives that imply that there is much more than meets the eye. The works are set in neon-lit motels, drive-in theatres and parking lots; it is in these transient locations that Valko captures intense moments that tell an unfinished story. Louis K. Meisel Gallery, NYC
Daren Whalen more often the subject of his paintings are people. Intensely detailed and beautiful figurative paintings that tell stories of Newfoundland. Emma Butler Gallery, Newfoundland, Canada
Kent Monkman is an interdisciplinary Cree visual artist. A member of Fisher River Cree Nation in Treaty 5 Territory (Manitoba), he lives and works in New York City and Toronto. Gender fluid, Indigenous commentaries on colonialism, realistic visual stories fused with fantasy and magic. Artists’ website.
Kim Dorland’s practice reflects a fascination with the enigmatic Canadian landscape as it comes into contact with contemporary urban experience. The psychological atmosphere represented by Dorland is confrontational and hallucinatory, disrupting conventional ideas that the natural world is a place of solace and contemplation. His paintings fascinate me and I am drawn to the sometimes fluorescent palettes and dark imagery. Another painter that tells visual stories in his work. Angell Gallery, Toronto Canada
Karel Funk lives and works in Winnipeg, Canada. Contemporary urbanism, technical figurative paintings, backs of hoodies, jackets and hats, they draw you into his paintings. The minimalism and cool tones add to the mystery of who might be wearing those clothes. Monte Clark Gallery, Vancouver BC
David Pirrie – obsessed with mountain’s, this painter offers a contemporary pop art style take on these marvelous beauties. Meticulously rendered and fused with vivid colours and distinctive patterns. Ian Tan Gallery, Vancouver BC
Eric Louie is a Vancouver-based painter whose vibrant compositions are being recognized by numerous collectors both public and private. His signature metallic, shimmering forms, achieved via many thin layers of luminescent glazes, are central to the virtual worlds he creates. These abstract paintings are somewhat transcendental in nature. They are metallic meditations on the rythyms of nature. Bau-Xi Gallery, Toronto Ontario
Shawn Serfas – thick and juicy, vivid and dimensional, buttery and sculptural, his abstracts are a treat to delve into. – Sopa Fine Arts, Kelowna BC
Catherine Blackburn – contemporary Indigenous beadwork and living sculptures. Artist website.
Curtis Cutshaw – textual abstracts of sculptural collage, makes me want to stare for hours and try and find the words within. Kostiuk Gallery, Vancouver BC
Luke Ramsay – magical landscapes and west coast FERRY tales of form and pastel palettes Madrona Gallery, Victoria BC
Angela Grossman – human figures and ephemeral layers of letters, photographs, addresses, envelopes, postage and cancellation marks. Herringer Kiss Gallery Calgary, AB
Steve Driscoll – creates fine art using unorthodox materials. I find his abstract searing landscapes Hockney-esque and glossy. – Peter Robertson Gallery, Edmonton, Canada
Bob Kebic – Group Of Seven-esque, textural and vivid abstract landscapes. They male you feel alive and joyful. They make you smile every time you see them. Mayberry Fine Art, Winnipeg, Canada

From hyper-realism, to figurative, narrative, abstract, landscape and fine embroidery craft, these are twenty artworks by contemporary Canadian artists I would put in my collection right now.

January 30, 2024

Canadian Artists at Pouch Cove

Artist Residency

Exploring Artistic Inspiration: 15 Canadian Artists at Pouch Cove

As I prepare to embark on a journey to Newfoundland, Canada, a place known for welcoming the first rays of sunlight in the country, I find myself reflecting on the archives of Canadian artists who have been fortunate to experience the creative haven provided by the Pouch Cove Foundation in Newfoundland.

Founded in 1990 by James Baird and officially incorporated in 1997, the Pouch Cove Foundation has served as a retreat for over a thousand visiting artists from all corners of the globe. Nestled on the Northern Avalon Peninsula in the picturesque province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, this residency has played host to not only renowned Canadian visual artists but also writers and musicians. As I meticulously plan, prepare, and pack for this upcoming adventure, I eagerly anticipate the artistic exploration that awaits me on the east coast of Canada, which will be a world apart from my usual surroundings on Vancouver Island.

Aerial View Pouch Cove, Newfoundland

In addition to the residency, the Pouch Cove Foundation is also home to a unique contemporary art gallery. The James Baird Gallery is an art gallery located in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It was founded in 1989 as a regional gallery on the East Coast of Canada. The gallery has developed a solid base of national and international artists through its intimate connection to an artist residency program. The gallery is housed in the totally renovated Pouch Cove Elementary School. The gallery has curated hundreds of exhibitions over almost thirty years at its facilities in Newfoundland and also at public, commercial, and pop-up spaces as well as art fairs across America and Europe. The gallery is focused on contemporary painting in its many forms and lives by the golden rule – That You Should Only Buy What You Love.

This unique opportunity allows me to bring my artistic journey full circle, spanning two decades and taking me from Vancouver Island to the Northern Territories and now to the extreme east coast of Canada. It’s a coast-to-coast-to-coast perspective that I’ve been striving for throughout my career as an artist.

A year ago, I was preparing for a residency at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, a vastly different experience from what the east coast promises. Banff greeted me with its snowy mountains and forested landscapes, offering a picture-perfect winter wonderland. I have no doubt that Newfoundland will present a stark contrast, and I am thrilled at the prospect of exploring its rugged coastlines, unique geography, and the captivating textures of its rocky terrain. I’ll be on the lookout for those quintessential hints of Canadiana: brightly painted buildings set against moody skies. Immersing myself in Newfoundland’s rich culture and warm hospitality is another exciting prospect, as is embracing the wildness and distinctiveness of the region.

As I delve into the Pouch Cove Foundation’s residency archives, I’m delighted to showcase 15 remarkable Canadian artists in residence from 1990-2023, whose work I deeply admire, and who have drawn inspiration from this exceptional opportunity.

Pouch Cove Nights, Ray Mackey Photography

15 notable Canadian artists who have been invited to create art in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland by the Pouch Cove Foundation:

1. Harold Klunder – Flesherton, Ontario
2. Wanda Koop – Winnipeg, Manitoba
3. David T Alexander – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
4. Jordan Broadworth – Toronto, Ontario
5. Scott MacLeod – Montreal, Quebec
6. Marlena Wyman – Edmonton, Alberta
7. Beverley Hawksley – Toronto, Ontario
8. Sarah Slean – Toronto, Ontario
9. Jim Park – Vancouver, Canada
10. Tim Okamura – New York, USA (originally from Edmonton)
11. Robert LeMay – Edmonton, Canada
12. Nicole Sleeth – Victoria, Canada
13. Andrew Morrow – Ottawa, Ontario
14. Jeremy Herndl – Victoria, British Columbia

Brandy Saturley at Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, 2022

I can’t wait to join the ranks of these esteemed artists and immerse myself in the beauty and uniqueness of Pouch Cove, Newfoundland. See you soon, Pouch Cove!

Sincerely Yours,

Brandy Saturley (#15)

September 19, 2023

Art in Nature Trail

Art Show, Commissioned Art

Commissioned Artwork for Art in Nature Trail in Banff, Canada

Recently I was contacted about creating an original artwork on a slice of tree (wood cookie) for a very distinctive Canadian public art installation. The ‘Art in Nature Trail’ is Banff’s latest art extravaganza transcending the confines of traditional galleries, it breaks free from the limitations of admission tickets. Begun in 2021, it has become a meticulously curated collection of over 65 awe-inspiring art installations, masterfully crafted by esteemed Canadian Artists. These creations span a diverse range of mediums, each piece carefully selected to harmonize with the surrounding natural landscape.

Raw wood cookie, the canvas for the Artists of the Art in Nature Trail, 2023

The theme for the show this year (and for the past two years) is “what inspires you/heals you that is found in the forest….” Essentially, what do the artists want the visitor to feel when they look at at the Art, and then take with them as the carry on thru the woods. For this year’s event, running from July 1 thru September 30, 2023, I have created a piece that follows my series of paintings about a polar bear looking for a new home, while traversing Canada.

Painting in Progress, Brandy Saturley in her studio on Vancouver Island.

Artic Monarch: A Polar Bear’s Quest for Home

Artist Statement About the Painting:

As an artist, I have embarked on a creative exploration of the profound challenges faced by polar bears in a rapidly warming world. In my painting, “Arctic Monarch,” I invite you to join me on a captivating journey where a polar bear seeks a new home amidst the changing landscapes of Canada. Together, we traverse the country, eventually arriving at the breathtaking Banff National Park, a true natural gem.

In this poignant scene, I present the polar bear taking a respite on a snowy bank at the edge of a flowing river. As I paint, I envision the bear gazing skyward, captivated by the ethereal display of the Northern Lights. Amidst this celestial dance, the majestic constellation Ursa Major, representing the “greater bear,” materializes, signifying the polar bear’s regal presence. This magnificent creature truly embodies the essence of a polar bear king.

Using my brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette, I strive to capture the essence of this pivotal moment in the polar bear’s journey. Through my art, I aim to evoke contemplation about the profound impacts of climate change on our planet’s delicate ecosystems. “Arctic Monarch” serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility as stewards of the environment and the urgent need to preserve the natural wonders of Banff National Park and beyond.

In the creation of “Arctic Monarch,” I draw inspiration from the resilience and adaptability of wildlife. Through this artwork, I hope to ignite a sense of shared responsibility, encouraging viewers to reflect upon the interconnectedness of all life forms and the vital importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations. By experiencing the world through the polar bear’s perspective, I aspire to awaken a deep appreciation for the delicate balance between human activities and the preservation of Earth’s precious biodiversity. “Arctic Monarch” serves as a visual testament to the urgency of protecting our natural wonders and ensuring a sustainable future where magnificent creatures like the polar bear can continue to flourish. Join me on this artistic expedition, where brushstrokes become a conduit for dialogue and where the power of imagery compels us to recognize our collective duty in safeguarding the beauty that surrounds us. Let “Arctic Monarch” be a catalyst for change, inspiring us all to embrace environmental stewardship and forge a path towards a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

SIZE: 11” x 15.5” x 2.5”d

Acrylic and gouache poured, painted with brush and scratched away for added textural elements. Painted on supplied wood cookie shipped to my studio from Canmore, Alberta.

Arctic Monarch, acrylic painting on wood cookie, 2023 – Brandy Saturley

This painting is on it’s way to Banff, you can view previous editions of this unique outdoor art experience on the Banff Lake Louise Tourism website here.

Art in Nature Trail, Banff Alberta Now open!

Arctic Monarch – polar bear painting with Ursa Major and northern lights, 2023, Art in Nature Trail, Banff Alberta Canada

You can find ‘Arctic Monarch’ by Brandy Saturley on the trail, near the Bow Falls.

Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley at Art in Nature Trail – Banff, Canada 2023

This year’s edition of the ‘Art in Nature Trail’ opens July 1 and runs until September 30, 2023. After you visit the Art in Nature Trail, you can see more polar bear paintings by Brandy Saturley at Willock & Sax Gallery at 210 Bear Street in Banff town centre.

Polar Bear King paintings by Brandy Saturley – available at Willock & Sax Gallery, Banff Alberta.

June 13, 2023

Top 10 Canadian Painters

Canadian Paintings

Top 10 Canadian Painters to follow on Instagram

Canada is home to a vibrant and diverse arts scene, and social media platforms like Instagram have given top Canadian painters a platform to showcase their work to a global audience. Instagram has become a powerhouse platform for discovering new artists from all over the world. It provides a unique space where artists can showcase their work and connect with a global audience of art lovers, collectors, and enthusiasts.

Compositional Study for They Walk Softly on This Earth 2022 Acrylic on Canvas 24″ x 36″ Kent Monkman

Instagram’s visual nature is perfect for showcasing artwork. Artists can share images of their work, behind-the-scenes shots of their creative process, and even videos of their work in progress. This provides viewers with an immersive experience that allows them to appreciate the artwork in a way that wouldn’t be possible through other mediums. The social nature of this visual platform allows for direct connections between artists and their audiences. This allows artists to build a community of fans and supporters, and it also allows audiences to engage with artists and their work on a personal level. This creates a sense of intimacy and connection that can be hard to achieve through other platforms.

Victoria BC based artist, Brandy Saturley, in her studio.

Here are 10 of the top Canadian painters to follow on Instagram;

Kent Monkman – This Toronto-based artist explores themes of Indigenous identity, sexuality, and colonialism in his bold and provocative paintings.
Tim Okamura – This New York-based artist explores themes of race, identity, and representation in his powerful and expressive portraits.
Kim Dorland – A Toronto-based artist known for his textured and expressive paintings of Canadian landscapes and urban scenes.
David McLeod – A digital artist and painter whose bold and vibrant works explore the intersection of technology and nature.
Brandy Saturley – Based in Victoria, BC, Saturley’s pop art style paintings capture the beauty and diversity of Canada’s landscapes and people.
Peter Doig – A Scottish-born painter who has spent much of his career in Canada, Doig’s dreamlike and atmospheric paintings capture the beauty and mystery of Canadian landscapes.
Jeremy Herndl – Victoria BC based Canadian painter focusing on the human relationship to place.
Jen Mann – Toronto, On based painter whos work mainly focuses on the idea of self in a post-internet world.
Andrew Valko – Winnipeg, MB based hyperrealist painter, drive-in movie scenes and conceptual nudes
Christie Belcourt – Following the tradition of Métis floral beadwork, Belcourt paints in dots and uses the subject matter as metaphors for human existence to relay a variety of meanings which include concerns for the environment, biodiversity, spirituality and awareness of Métis culture.

Christi Belcourt working in her studio, 2021

These are just a few of the many talented Canadian painters on Instagram. Whether you’re looking for landscapes, portraits, or abstract works, there’s sure to be an artist on this list who will inspire and delight you. So why not give them a follow and see what they’re up to?

May 4, 2023

Featured Article Island Arts

PRESS

Spring Issue Island Arts Magazine Featured Article

Featured in the Spring 2023 Issue of the Island Arts Magazine (IAM) an article written by Brandy Saturley about her time working in the Leighton Studios at Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity.

The Island Arts Magazine, or IAM for short, is based in Parksville on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The Spring 2023 issue marks the beginning of their 16th year publishing this magazine about local Vancouver Island artists as well as Artists across Canada. The Island Arts Magazine has become an interactive digital publication covering artistic events, art exhibitions, workshops, editorial content on everything Canadian Art. For the first several years the focus of this art publication was Vancouver Island Artists. Over the years they were able to expand their reach to the mainland, and later all of BC. During the pandemic they expanded their offering becoming a digital magazine, presenting art and artists from across Canada – Coast to Coast.

In this 63rd issue of the magazine you can read an article by Brandy Saturley about her experience as artist in residence at the Banff Centre. Saturley spent two weeks in the Leighton Studios creating new work informed by her time in Banff and on campus. The Banff Centre is the largest arts institution in Western Canada. The Leighton Artist Studios are home to ten distinct studios, nestled in the forested area of the campus. The studios provide a creative haven to a variety of disciplines: writing for stage and screen, composing and songwriting, visual arts including painting, photography, literary translation, curating, and art theory.

Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity – Banff, Alberta

A contemporary Canadian artist whose work captures the essence of Canadian life and culture.

Saturley typically works from her home studio on Vancouver Island, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Canada’s west coast. Her paintings often reflect this connection to nature, with sweeping landscapes, rugged mountains, and vivid skies and central figures featuring prominently in her work. Her use of bold colors and dynamic brushstrokes creates a sense of energy and movement, and her work has been described as “joyful, emotional, and thought-provoking.”

In addition to her focus on nature, Saturley also explores themes of identity, community, and belonging in her work. Many of her paintings feature Canadian icons such as hockey players, Canadian wildlife, and maple leaves, highlighting her deep connection to her home country.

Saturley travels across Canada to exhibit, create, capture imagery and work from her experiences. She creates visual stories on canvas about moments experienced on her adventures, coming home to Vancouver Island to work from her North Saanich based studio.

More about Saturley’s time at Banff Centre here.

Read the entire issue of Island Arts Magazine here:

March 3, 2023

Banff Centre Painting Residency

Art Career

Leighton Studios – Banff Centre For Arts & Creativity Painting Residency

In November 2022, I will be spending two weeks at the Banff Centre For Arts & Creativity. An independent self-guided painting residency (on scholarship) in the Leighton Artists Studios, home to ten distinct studios, appealing to a variety of disciplines: writing for stage and screen, composing and songwriting, visual arts including painting, photography, curating, and art theory. I am looking forward to immersing myself in the pristine natural surroundings and mountain fresh air, letting all my senses soak it up and then push it out onto the canvas. I will be capturing my time in Banff through photography, video and paint. Banff is a place I have visited, but never had the time to pause and soak it up for two full weeks.

Thom Studio at Banff Centre, Leighton Studios Residency

The studios have played host to many important Canadian artist collaborations over the years including K.D Lang, Joni Mitchell, and Jean Grand-Maître of Alberta Ballet. Séan McCann of Great Big Sea and Canadian Visual Artist Brian Jungen. Banff Centre exists for the advancement of creative potential that enriches our world, and I am ready for this new opportunity to go deep into my painting practice. To experience the power of the mountains, particularly our home on Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain and let it flow through me and out to the world.

My last experience painting in a faraway place was in 2019 when I spent the summer at the Royal College of Art in London, England, painting in the Sackler studios. It will be quite the contrast making work in the mountains as opposed to the big city. I will be painting in the Thom Studio, named after the studio’s designer, Ron Thom, the configuration for this visual art studio is simple and open to allow the greatest degree of flexibility in the arrangement of working components.

They say that In Banff, the mountains are really close to your head, and you will be seeing my head near these mountains soon.

October 3, 2022