Ontario Society of Artists

Participating Artists

Dara Aram

Dara Aram (OSA) is a Toronto based Artist. He attended the Artist-Educator Foundation Course at the Royal Conservatory, studied at the OCAD, Toronto and the Slemani Institute of Fine Arts in Kurdistan. Aram has exhibited in 110 shows worldwide in galleries and museums, including in Europe, the Middle East, North America and Japan. Aram’s works are in private and public collections such as the Canadian Embassies in Denmark and in Sweden. Aram has also received a number of OAC grants and awards.

Kim Atkins

Kim Atkins is a plein air painter working in oils. She is one part of the PORDS- a group of 4 landscape painters who travel, work and exhibit together. Kim is from the East Coast originally; she moved to England after university to study social work in the UK and work for a refugee charity. Her later working career was in the secondary schools in Toronto teaching fine art and photography.

“I am drawn to images of the sky and water from my own experiences of travel to various points on the coasts of Canada and the USA. This theme produces new combinations of shape and colour all day long. I like to find places where I can see the horizon. To give form to this immense space in my painting.”

Cheryl Bailey

Cheryl Bailey is an award winning Toronto-born Contemporary Landscape artist from Oakville Ontario. She is an elected  member of the Ontario Society of Artists (OSA). Recently one of her paintings was juried into the Government of Ontario Art Collection. Cheryl studies with John Leonard RCA  at the Etobicoke Art Group studio and at Fleming College Haliburton School of  Art and Design(HSAD). The McMichael Canadian Collection has hosted 5 group exhibitions in which Cheryl participated.  In 2019, Cheryl participated for the fifth time in the Ontario Provincial Touring Exhibition  "Progressions VIII".  Selected recent exhibitions  include the Ontario Society of Artists Members Exhibition of Selected Works September 2021, the 2020 TD Thor Wealth Management Juried Exhibition: Quest for the Environment (national),  Artworks Oakville 21st Open Juried Exhibition, the provincial Headwaters Arts Juried Exhibition in  Oct 2018. Cheryl currently serves as a Director on  the board of the Ontario Society of Artists and previously on several other boards.

“My landscape paintings express a deep connection to the Canadian landscape. By distilling visual complexity into carefully designed simplicity, combining shape, surface texture, and a limited palette made luminous by a powerful and unifying black, I create a poetic re-interpretation in a distinctive and authentic voice.”

Janet Baker

Janet Baker is an elected member of several professional art societies. In 2010, following a five- year hiatus from making art and completion of a double major in History in Art and Writing at the University of Victoria, she graduated with a BFA with Distinction. Her journey in both art and writing continues.

“This piece, one of a series of works completed in memory of my late son, seemed the perfect choice for this exhibition. It is a celebration of Gary, of his breath, heart and spirit—Gary, with us every day. He loved to tell people I was an artist.”

Carmel Brennan

Carmel is an award-winning artist working in painting, printmaking and photography. She graduated in Visual Arts from the George Washington University and holds a B.Ed. from the University of Toronto. She is an active member of the Ontario Society of Artists and the Uxbridge Studio Tour. She is now studying for a Master’s Degree in Contemporary Art & Archaeology at a Scottish University in the Orkneys.

I am a recorder of details, emotion, and movement. Each piece fits into my own story documenting the path I travel. This artwork marks a narrowing of my focus to the individual footprint I make in the earth’s environment. Examine the beauty that I erased. I eradicated the occupants of this “home” without thinking of their purpose. I was afraid and I stupidly lashed out.

Mike Brouse

I have taken part in a number of solo, group and juried exhibitions in Southwestern Ontario. I have won a Juror’s Choice Award in the Woodstock Art Gallery VE60 Juried Exhibition, I have also won an Award of Excellence in the OSA 147th annual Open Juried Exhibition.

“My primary goal for this painting was to create an original design with shapes, texture and a bit of colour that surprise me. I stayed loose and open to where the painting was taking me. With a critical eye I strove to balance the image as a whole.”

Marilena Isacescu Carlea

Inspired by the energy of NATURE intertwined in man-made architectural environment and the impact of humans on natural ecosystems, the artist is expressing herself through painting, sculpture and printmaking in an emotional, contemporary, poetic way.

“The porcelain sculpture GenMod (Cone 01,02) is part of my series CYCLE OF TRANSFORMATION-GENETIC MODIFIED. That is experimenting with the process of deconstruction of GEOMETRIC shapes like cylinders and cones transformed by cuts and folds in ORGANIC arrangements inspired by the NATURE’s energy, movement and life.”

Anne Cavanagh

Anne Cavanagh studied in the United States, France, and England, obtaining a Bachelor of Art in Pre-Medical Illustration (2004). Awards have included: Drawing Master Class Scholarship (New York Academy of Art), publication in Strokes of Genius 7: The Best of Drawing, the OAC Artist in Education Grant and the Prismacolor Illustration Award.

“Maple Tree II is an exploration of the complex interconnection of nature, in this case, the root system of a maple tree. Metalpoint (copper) creates delicate lines and mirrors the fragility of the tree's growth below the earth surface.”

Nancy R. Chalut

Nancy R. Chalut B.A., is a native of Hamilton. Personal accomplishments: Certified Cabinetmaker, Interior Design-Sheridan, Professor Mohawk College, Commonwealth Trials, Archery. She trained in the academic tradition. Maestros include: Pauline Bradshaw, Anne Marie Kornachuk, John Angel and Dwayne Hardy. Nancy resides in Port Perry.

“I am trained in the academic tradition and currently work in oils. Environmentally focused, I explore human exploitation and encroachment. In the breath, heart and spirit of Thomson, I chose to revisit his 1912 work “The Canoe” and render it into the 5G spirit of 2022.”

Shaukat Chaney

Shaukat Chaney’s interest in art came from his lifelong professional interest in colour and form. Shaukat Chaney was a Prosthodontist (a field of dentistry specializing in reconstructive dentistry). This included maxillo-facial prosthodontics requiring a knowledge of painting and sculpture. Gradually, his interest shifted to a full time career in abstract art in painting and sculpture.

“My paintings are abstract. The drawing process is improvisational. These shapes create a dialogue between freedoms and limits. The paintings have seemingly random boundaries giving the colour fields a sense of organic movement, straining against the hard edges, creating tension and sustaining focus.”

Charles Choi

Charles Choi (SCA, OSA) was born in Shanghai, China and immigrated to Canada in 1995. Learned oil painting at China Academy of Art, he was an multi-award winning artist both in Canada and China including “Award of Excellence” in 148 th OSA Open Juried Exhibition, Finalists of Kingston Prize in 2019, the “Gold Award” of Arts and Letters Club “Next 2” art exhibition in 2017, “Best of the Show” in Society of Canadian Artists’ Members Annual Art Show in 2013. Paintings been selected in the MEAM Barcelona, Jackson’s Prize London and China National Art Exhibition for three consecutive times. His work is represented in private and public collections across Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, England and China.

“Painting is a way of “Searching”. Things can be both here and gone at the same time. Just when I feel have seized hold of it, “it” is lost, and I have to start all over again. I paint only for me, I paint because I must, not because I must prove something. I immerse myself in my environment, becoming one with what is around me, and hope that opens a path of communication with the scene. The subject matter in my view is of less importance to me than the changes that may occur within it during our time of mutual connection and dialogue.”

Susan Clark

Susan Clark was born in Montreal and studied in Quebec. She moved to Ontario in 1977 and has actively exhibited her work across Ontario since. With a passion for creative she worked as a graphic artist for Pattison Outdoor and in retail sales for DeSerres while exhibiting her own personal paintings.

“My work depicts contemporary linear urban landscapes. They are constructed illusions with details simplified and clutter eliminated. Using architectural elements & colour, I hope to create a mood that is thought provoking with a mystery and hint of a story.”

Lynden Cowen

Self - taught award- winning artist, Lynden Cowan was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Lynden Cowan is an elected member of multiple art groups including the Ontario Society of Artists, the Society of Canadian Artists and Artists for Conservation. Lynden’s public studio is at the Alton Mill Arts Centre, Alton, Ontario, and her work can be found in multiple collections in Canada and the USA. Email... lynden@lyndencowan.com Website.. www.lyndencowan.com Instagram @ Lynden Cowan

Ribbit Painting by Lynden Cowan: “Wild landscape and highly detailed scenes are my subject of choice and I strive to include the viewer in my visual journey and interpretations on the natural world and human nature that surrounds me. We are presented daily with information on climate change and the environment. With this little frog who lives in the Millpond beside my studio, we are reminded that every living thing, is dealing with the effects of climate change just living their life.”

Krystyna Cseh

Krystyna Cseh is graduate of Ontario Collage of Art and Design, Canadian artist born in Poland, and member of the Ontario Society of Artists. She participated in many solo and group exhibitions and her work is part of the government collection.

“This painting is an emotional response to my surroundings and is inspired by nature. When working on it I was trying to show how the objects relate and affect each other.“

Jaya Datta

Jaya Datta is a Toronto based Fine Arts Graduate. Her paintings are in private collections in USA, Turkey, Canada and in Archives of Ontario Art Collection. Her colours are alive, bright and bold. She draws inspiration from having been exposed to myriad of cultures and ideas.

“I am fascinated by the human body and the emotions evoked by people’s interactions with different circumstances. Through my painting Jubilation I want to keep the precious feeling of expressing great happiness, alive forever. Colours are bold and vibrant to show the mood. Style is Modern Figurative.”

Peter Dusek

Peter Dušek is a Canadian artist who uses photography to explore visual art as a universal language to evoke emotion using abstraction of landscape elements and colour. His signature reductionist design goal is “as little as possible, as much as necessary”, giving a surreal quality to his intimate landscapes.

“Inspired by Japanese sumi-e ink wash painting, with strong use of the aesthetics of Ma (empty space) and Yūgen (profound grace and subtlety), ‘Free’ is a photograph showing a bird in flight with a tree branch below, shaped like a hand.”

Pat Dumas-Hudecki

I was born in Hamilton, Ontario and moved to Toronto to attend the Ontario College of Art and Design. I have lived in Toronto since graduating from OCAD. I have been exhibiting my paintings in Canada and the USA. My works have garnered many awards and may be found in private and public collections, including the Ontario Government’s permanent collection. I have been a member of the Ontario Society of Artists since 2005 and serve on their executive council.

‘Sitting’, from my painting series ‘Child’s Play’ chronicles how everyday toy objects left behind transform and convey their own unique narratives. It is a staging ground; true theatre has been taking place – and the stage is left there to be captured on canvas.

“In ‘Connected City’ I honour a child’s artistic expression by copying/painting their work on a grander scale. As a child might scribble on important documents, I playfully reverse the roles by ‘defacing’ their work with my realistic style. Through the juxtaposition of the two, I pose the question; which is the truer work-of-art?”

Linda Finn

Linda Finn has been making art most of her life, most of it spent in the rugged landscape of Northern Ontario. Many workshops later, she continues exploring new directions in her work. As a teacher, volunteer and the recipient of numerous awards, Linda has also received OAC grants in support of her practice.

“Floating on water on a summer’s day, while the sun turns the inside of one’s eyelids red, is a life-affirming experience. Water is that element that not only supports us in body and spirit, but also reflects the feeling of goodness and assurance in troubled times.”

Carol Finn

Canadian painter of land, water and its inhabitants; Art teacher, mentor, curator. Educated OCADU, York U Fine Arts, HHSAD. Influenced by Davis Hockney Wolf Kahn. Online presence shows paintings and prints, Art Classes information participating Galleries and events calendar. Easy access Online store for purchase or for registration

“My paintings, which are done in series, are an attempt to show beautiful locations whose natural integrity has either been altered by human intervention or is about to be. What is the cost our imposition on the virginal status of these lands and the inhabitants therein?”

Erin Fitzgibbon

After her son's death in 2006, art became a source of healing and spirituality. Ever drawn to creative activities, Erin began to share her art professionally in 2014. Erin’s work has been shown in the Elaine Fleck Gallery and was recently commissioned by the Daniel’s Corporation.

“Transcendental concepts of perfection in the simple act of existence permeate Erin’s work. In a world where we can share more, we are only communicating the negative. Each difficult moment can lead back to beauty. Erin's artwork expresses hope for the future despite the trauma we may face.”

Sue Gamble

Northern Ontario based, Sue studied fine art and geology at university. Surrounded by the Boreal forest she paints every day after years in exploration and surveying. Environmental activism has appeared in her work. Isolated on Kenogami Lake her award winning paintings are inspired by location, animals, nature, people and imagination.

“From under the North Star in the Boreal forest, my work is inspired by the location, environment, nature, animals, people, places, and life events. Techniques coalesce around the location, concept, subject, substrate, medium, and palette. Steady and authentic the compass bearing on my artistic traverse is true north.”

Susan Garrington

Susan is a life long resident of London Ontario where she lives with her husband, Brian. Her paintings have been curated into exhibitions at Brescia University College, and juried into several exhibitions including the Selected Works of Members of OSA and the International Open Water exhibition of CSPWC.

The current focus of Susan’s work, weeds and wildflowers, are found at edges of roads, fence lines and fields. My on location sketches are integral to my process. They inform and underpin everything I paint.

L. E. Glazer

L. E. Glazer is an award-winning Toronto-based Architect, Photographer, Artist, and past president of the OSA. Following the completion of formal training in 1979, he has focused on creating works that challenge viewer preconceptions and expectations. Glazer’s work hangs in public institutions, private collections, and the Government of Ontario Art Collection.

“It is my belief that the creative process is multidisciplinary, and my current area of interest involves Deconstructionist abstraction of visual form. Subject matter is deconstructed, and then colour and form are re-composed through the medium of digital painting. Once recognizable images are abstracted, they are in turn imbued with new characteristics suggesting unanticipated narratives and meanings.”

Catharina Goldnau

Catharina Goldnau explores transitions, juxtaposing traditions and materials in sculptural work that borders functionality. Born in Germany, Canada became home at the age of 19. Following a life-long passion, she left a teaching career to study Ceramics at Sheridan College.

“My work is inspired by objects of utility, past or present: the bowl - a universal containment object – cracked or broken, the essence of the object preserved. Shred is built in a plaster mould from custom clay including alternate materials (shards, wood chips, coarse silica), and glaze fired in an oxidation kiln at 2122 degrees F.”

Heather Grindley

I am a figurative artist. Often people ask me, what does that mean? It means that the content of my art involves the human form. I have been told that my drawings and paintings have a distinctive contemporary edge. I work in oil, pastel & charcoal. A strong gestural figure, that depicts the emotion I try to create, excites me. Modern dancers have been my models in the past and have greatly influenced me over the years. Lately my interest has been with integrating the human form with water....the one element which sustains all life.

My work is represented in private, corporate and public collections including: Shell Canada, Mount Sinai Hospital, Macdonald Gallery; The University of Guelph, Mississauga City Hall, Art Gallery of Mississauga, Government of Ontario Archives; Art Purchase and the Helson Gallery, Georgetown. Professional Associations: Elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists. The Ontario Society of Artists. The Colour and Form Society.

Cathy Groulx

Cathy has been painting in traditional oils on canvas, professionally, for over 30 years. Her work is in numerous public, corporate and private collections. She has work in 10 countries . She curated an exhibition with 7 artists to be shown in the Netherlands, where she also participated. France and Denmark have also exhibited her work.

Diana Harding-Tucker

OSA Past President Diana Harding-Tucker studied Studio Art at Queens University and Photography with Ed Burtynsky. Her work includes publication in Gay Gardens, (Aird Gallery), Applied Arts Awards magazine and Oxford Press. Diana’s artwork is found in national and international collections including the Government of Ontario Art Collection.

”Queen of the Night – an Opera in Three Acts”: As the moon rises, the Queen of the Night awakens, her dark green buds swell. Flowers burst into blooms emitting an intoxicating essence, filling the desert air. Death before Dawn. I used my Hasselblad and fine grain film to capture the essence of this fine symphony of silence.

Janice Hendershot

Work represented Canada at the XXI Olympics; First Place Gold Award NEXT!, Arts and Letters Club, Toronto, 2015; Awarded 12 Government Grants (Canada Council, OAC) Juried work exhibited in more than 40 competitions, included in many; Public Gallery Collections; Summer Resident Artist, McMichael Collection 2000-2004; www. jhendershotstudios.com; www.ccca.ca

The Willow - Statement: As a child, I spent much time in the woods and playing in the foliage of a willow tree. When painting trees, I hope to convey the energy of the tree beyond what is visible. In the case of this Willow, it is a protector and holds many mysteries.

Anne Hoover

Anne is a figurative artist that graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto and studied at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design, Vancouver. She teaches life drawing while running her own Graphic Design Studio. Her artwork is in collections both nationally and internationally. annehooverart.ca

”My focus has always been the human form and currently explores the balance between accuracy and recognition; depicting the human form using mark-making to distort that edge between abstraction and realism. I believe it possible to capture both spirit and mood; a sense of person and human connection.”

Shahla E. Jamal

Shahla studied art at the University of Tehran, and her academic endeavours would later take her as far as London, England, Paris, Germany, US, and Toronto. Shahla had successfully exhibited her work in Germany, and co-founded Art Direct Gallery in Cologne. In 1994, she moved this time to the U.S where she continued her artistic accomplishments: was a member of the AVA Association, and Austin Pastel Association. In 2003 Shahla finally moved to Canada where she resides today. She has been an elected member of the Ontario Society of Artists since 2007, and a member of the Propeller Gallery since 2010. Her paintings are in private collections in Iran, Europe, USA, and Canada.

“Following my Cubism series, the principles of Constructivism philosophy, emphasis on geometric and abstract shapes and lines is made to express new ideas in constructive execution. My “Transition series” let me create geometric and graphical forms arranged in a space in harmonious order and represent a new form in my forty years of artistic endeavour.”

Min Soo Kim

Min Soo Kim is a minhwa artist and instructor based in Toronto, Canada and Seoul, South Korea. For over 30 years she has worked with minhwa mediums and has been teaching for the last 9 years of its unique history and techniques.

With a blend of the Canadian iconic symbol of the Maple tree, together with the crane from South Korea, this piece represents the two cultures bridging a harmonious and supportive environment that the artist has experienced.

Robin Kingsburgh

Robin Kingsburgh is a trained astronomer (Ph.D. in Astronomy, 1992, University College London) and painter. Her artistic education comes from studies at the University of Toronto, as well as in the U.K. and France, and has paralleled her scientific development. Her scientific background influences her artwork in an indirect, subconscious way, where she employs geometric motifs as a frequent theme. She currently teaches various Natural Science courses at York University, Toronto.

“These Neolithic burial sites in northern Scotland connected ancient peoples to life, death, and the sky. In this work, circles, squares and grids become meditations on rhythm, form, tone and colour. The geometry provides a universal connection to our ancestors across time, relating celestial rhythms to the human cycle of life and death.”

Jodi Kitto-Ward

Jodi is a Sheridan College Fine Arts graduate, an award-winning artist and an elected member of the Ontario Society of Artists and the Society of Canadian Artists. She works from her home studio in Hamilton, Ontario and is represented by Paula White-Diamond Art Gallery and the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

“I intend to create art that is alive with interpretation and emotion, offering another way of observing life and inspiring connective thinking. The act of painting is so intertwined with the subconscious and universal, it allows a pure flow of truth to come forth that will hopefully connect with the viewer.”

Eva Kolacz

Eva Kolacz is a poet and painter who graduated from the Fine Arts Department of the Ontario College of Art & Design in Toronto. Her works can be found in private and public collections in North America and national museums in Poland. She is represented by the Kurbatoff Art Gallery, Vancouver.

“Eva Kolacz Artist’s statement for the painting “Breaking Through Darkness”: In this painting I was looking for the way out from dark days caused by the pandemic period. The light entering the surface, its soft reflections, was nothing short of miraculous.”

Marzena Kotapska

Throughout Marzena’s life the Arts and Painting have been central and important to her world. Beginning in an elementary school art club, she graduated from the School of Art and Design in her native Poland, then continued her art education after emigrating to Canada. She attended OCAD University where she obtained Bachelor of Fine Arts.

“My paintings are primarily based on observation and photo-imagery. My work focuses on the fluid junctures of nature/culture, city/country as well as my own position with regard to them. I try to record with my camera; objects, situations that draw my attention or that I find aesthetically captivating and of significance to me.”

Helena Kwon

BA in Seoul, Korea, Ontario College of Art, enrolled Graduate program at the Pratt Institute. Lives in Richmond Hill. 35 years of art work include 160 group show and13 solo exhibitions in Canada, U.S.A. Ireland, and Seoul. 17 times awards include CFS juried show; Art Gallery of Mississauga juried show.

“It is in transforming the purity and wonders of nature as combined with an individual’s experience which allows an artist to create an autonomous universe on canvas. It is my desire to communicate that the nature in its grandeur and complexity can be simplified and thus render more personal relevance.”

George Langbroek

George is an artist in St. Catherines Ontario Canada, who works in a variety of mediums and is a member of the Ontario Society of Artists. He has been in numerous solo and group exhibitions and has won awards for his work including 1st place for Reformed Worship Magazine Cover, 1st place in the 2003 Society of Canadian Artists Juried Exhibition, Jurors Award SCA. for “Art on the Edge” at JBAird Gallery and more.

“The work in this exhibition is one of a series I'm working on dealing with the Covid 19. As with all pandemics and catastrophes, horrible things happen but in conjunction with all the pain and suffering many heartwarming acts are performed by those who are first responders and folks who are not.”

Clara Laratta

Clara Laratta is a multimedia artist based in Hamilton, Ontario.  She is pursuing her MFA at the University of Waterloo and received her BFA degree from McMaster University graduating with distinction.  Her work can be found in permanent collections in France, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Japan, Russia, Austria, India, USA, and Canada. 

“Laratta's work, brings us inside a process of transformation, sharing with us daily changes that occur through our interactions with others. She provides a portrait of contemplation on a facet of a life in the process of being understood and transcended.  Her work is a reminder that we can be the authors of our own transformation.”

Dayna Law

Dayna’s work has been shown in galleries, juried and invitational shows. Elected to the Ontario Society of Artists in 2015, Colour and Form Society in 2021, and to the Government of Ontario Permanent Art Collection Archives in 2020, her work is held in private collections in North America and Europe.

“Born with a strong sense of colour and design with a keen eye for visual detail, I am stimulated by the texture, movement and patterns found in nature. My thoughts are always tuned to perfecting processes, creating new ideas, experimenting with texture and colour combinations., and above all having fun!”

James MacDougall

Originally self-taught, making pictures has been a passion from childhood. In mid-life I retired from Medicine to pursue Art. Acceptance by the OSA in 1989 validated the decision for me, and has provided the essential opportunities and fellowship. I am honoured to have served as VP and then President during years 1991 to 1996.

“The studio and the surfaces on which I work are for me spiritual spaces in and on which I find meaning. Exploration has arisen from many and varied sources of stimulation over the years, but the inner portrait and naked landscape of the human body dominate as a natural sequel to having been a physician.”

Lisa Martini-Dunk

Lisa is a formally trained Fine Artist from Guelph/Peterborough. Lisa creates her visions with intaglio, woodcuts & scratchboard. She Won a poster contest for 2019 for National purebred dog day. Lisa's art has a playfulness quality telling the story of how the unimaginable and unreasonable can become sensible and absolute.

“The story of how animals and humans are connected. Animals expose the transparency of innocence and the authenticity of emotion. Humans devote much of their time to masking their essence and their true selves due to their vulnerability. Illustrating human emotions and experiences.”

John Maurer

I believe we are all influenced and inspired to develop our own style or representation through the imitation of others work. Mimicking or following the actions of others is frankly the only way we learn and develop. My interpretations are expressed through my own eyes, but influenced by others examples.

“My brief history in fine art followed a successful 40 year career in commercial art, design, and advertising. I managed and developed creative strategies for clients in all sectors of the marketplace. Upon retirement I decided to take up painting. I enjoy the challenge of creating and sharing with others.”

Ted Michener

Ted attended The Ontario College of Art and Design, graduating with honours in Communication andDesign Illustration. He freelanced out of Toronto and New York City for many years, being published in The Toronto Star, Readers Digest and TV Guide to name just a few. Ted now works (joyfully) in his seaside studio on The Passamaquoddy Bay in beautiful New Brunswick. Cheers!

“Visual stimuli is everywhere here in beautiful New Brunswick. The subject matter is endless. I do prefer painting , En Plein Air, but the Maritime’s weather sometimes has other plans! To define my art, Whimsical, Impressionistic or Semi-Abstract would probably best describe the outcome. I strive for motion and depth as I develop each canvas.”

Lee Munn

Lee is a landscape style artist born in Hamilton Ontario. His formal art education began 35 years ago, and continued through when he studied ‘Fine Arts & Graphic Design ‘ at DVSA, George Brown and Sheridan College. He has a number of pieces of his artwork exhibited across Canada, the USA and Europe which is represented in both private and public collections. His artwork has been in numerous Magazines, Newspapers and on Television.

Lee is a firm believer in painting in his home city & province. He travels all over Ontario in all seasons painting small pieces on location and taking photographs, then bringing them home to his studio to turn them into larger paintings. Nature and the outdoors have always played a strong role in his art. Each painting was done while listening to one band. If the painting took from ten to a hundred hours it is still the same band. All paintings are named from a line with the music that went with it.

Mary Ng

I have always had a passion for Chinese calligraphy and painting. My painting style combines Chinese painting techniques and materials with Western perspective. This combination has produced paintings which merge my experience from the East and the West.
I use Chinese brushes to apply watercolors and acrylic on rice paper.

Global warming is everyone’s concern. The love of the Planet Earth should unite all in the spirit of cooperation, to refresh and replenish, to give the breath of life to the polluted environment and the dying species. The environmental problems are ours, and we must solve them.

Rob Niezen

Rob Niezen is a painter, printmaker and illustrator. His work has been shown in numerous juried shows and in seven solo exhibitions. In 2015, Peterborough County awarded him a Leadership in Arts & Culture Recognition Award. He was born in The Hague, Netherlands, and lives and works in Douro, Ontario.

“'Five O'Clock Social' is a painting from my 'Celebration' series of narrative paintings that examine the good life and the memorable moments we share with family and friends. Rich colours suggest opulence, while reflections and distortions of glass and liquids show the playful side of our existence.”

Monica Orrling

Monica Orrling is an oil painter who’s passion it is to paint the beauty of nature using bold bright colours.  Monica’s greatest influence has been her father Kjell Orrling, watching him paint for years has allowed her to gain valuable knowledge. Her greatest artistic achievements include elected membership in the OSA, SCA and FCA.  

“My interest is with the bright, bold colours found in Ontario’s vast landscapes and local gardens.  I primarily paint large florals using water-soluble oils on canvas, I really love the fast drying time of this medium.   My personal style is to paint in many layers with the eventual goal of capturing the life and energy of my subject.”

David Paolini

David Paolini is a Toronto based sculptor/ painter. He is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art, [Fine Art Sculpture Major], The University of Guelph [B.A in Fine Art / Sculpture.] The University of Toronto [B.Ed.] in Art Education New York University / Post Graduate Fine Art Studies. David has exhibited his work in numerous exhibitions over many years. David was involved with Art Education for many years He is an elected member of the Ontario Society of Artists and the Sculptors Society of Canada.

““Not That I Remember, But, That I Am Memory’ -Kathleen Raine – poet – 1908 – 2003. As we move through time, every action, thought, feeling that an individual experiences, immediately becomes Memory. As we move through life, many Memories will have accumulated. Today, with people living longer, there is a great concern about Memory. This work, addresses the complexity of Memory and it’s affect on older members of a society. People who are dismissed and moved to it’s fringes, becoming entrapped by Memory”

Margaret Pardy

Margaret’s an international artist and graduate of the Sheridan College Art Fundamentals Program. She’s a city girl who prefers to be in the country, with a love for animals and nature which has transitioned into becoming a wildlife artist. Her works can be found in private collections internationally.

“Tread carefully as our imprint affects Mother Nature.” “A Barn Owl perched on a dead branch takes a moment to look off into the distance and take in its surroundings. Barn Owls are considered an endangered species as much of their grassland habitat is being lost to urbanization and changing farming practices.”

Jangmee Park

Jangmee grew up in Seoul, South Korea, graduating with a B.F.A. and M.F.A. from Ewha Women’s University then moving to Canada in the year 2000. While raising a son and daughter, she has presented at solo and group exhibitions throughout Korea and Canada since 1992.

“Art is a colorful blend of imagination and experience. It is both a means of self expression and a screen upon which the viewer may project their own interpretations at varying degrees of alignment. My paintings are a joint journey of self-discovery shared with my audience.”

Sherry Park

I was born in South Korea and grew up in Ontario . I studied at Ontario College of Art (OCAD) majoring in drawing and painting. In the fourth year I studied at the Off Campus program in Florence, Italy. Based on my figure drawings I have received the Elizabeth Greenshield Grant. I am an elected member of Society of Canadian Artist, Ontario Society of Artist and Colour and Form Society. In 2020 I was awarded the Mary Pratt Crystal award from the Society of Canadian Artists 52nd Open International Juried Exhibition. This year I made the finalist at the Salt Spring National Art Prize based in BC. Currently I am living in Brampton, Ontario while creating my art at the Alton Mills studio in Caledon, Ontario.

““Jack Pine Sun Rays” painting is part of a series called Cape Breton Highlands. The inspiration comes from beautiful scenery I witnessed during the hikes in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, along the Cabot trail in Nova Scotia. I was there in 2019 as an artist in residence for a six week program, coordinated by the Cape Breton Arts and Craft Centre and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It was an unforgettable experience.”

Frances Patella

Participates in solo, juried, group exhibitions and fairs. Received Mid-Career grants from OAC and TAC. Taught arts in the TDSB, Cyanotype for the Photo Educators Forum and the National Gallery of Photography. Former Chair of Propeller and Board Member, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair.

Patella explores transformation in the landscapes of controlled burns. During her childhood and visits to Italy, fires and ruins sparked her interest. She continues to use the ephemeral images of burning fields and forests. Burn with Spectrum was created by a double exposure as a conjunction of events.

Giuseppe Pivetta

Born of Italian parentage in Villenouvelle, France in 1938, Giuseppe Pivetta begins his artistic training at the L’ecole des Beaux Arts in Toulouse. Upon his arrival in Canada in 1957, he enrols in private lessons at the art studio of Albert Chiarandini, who notices an. artistic inclination in his student; eventually Giuseppe is invited to paint ‘en plain air’ with his teacher.

Christine Proctor

I am a graduate of York University’s Visual Arts Program. In 1999, I enthusiastically switched careers to become a professional artist. My work has been exhibited in commercial galleries and numerous juried shows, winning “The Best of Show”.at the Ontario Society of Artist’s 2011 Juried show. I am represented by the A.G.O Art Rental and Sales Gallery, PI Creative Arts and Denison Galleries.

“I paint simple shapes that represent my unconventional and playful view of land and cityscapes. It is intuitive and fun to manipulate the gooey paint, using non-traditional putty knives and awls, creating bumps, hollows and surprises hidden between the layers, and scratching into the wet paint revealing little vignettes to puzzle the viewer.”

Janet Read

Janet Read’s paintings reference landscape in a mode of atmospheric abstraction. Recent travels in the Arctic prompted an ongoing body of work, High Arctic Light. Exhibitions include commercial and public galleries, including the Robert McLaughlin Gallery with a catalogue. Paintings are held in public and private collections, and internationally in Australia, England and the US.

“Paint is applied spontaneously in a process of improvisation that is refined over the period of the painting process until the work is itself a metaphor. Oil, cold wax, multiple layers and scraping out and flinging paint mimic natural processes of wind, rain, cloud and light. Spatulas are the primary tools.”

Silvija Saplys

I am inspired by events that have shaped my world; strong women, and the Canadian landscape - particularly old growth forests and the northern areas of Canada. Although I work occasionally in sculpture and installation my main focus is on painting – exploring mediums and alternative ways in which paint can be manipulated. Born in Toronto, I work and reside in Mississauga. I have studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design, University of Toronto, and have a fine arts diploma from Toronto School of Art.

“A living forest has many movements, nearly all of them subtle; rustling, ripples so slight that they seem almost indiscernible. You turn to look and where there was once motion there is only stillness. I’m drawn to the woods like a magnet; regardless of where in the world I might be, I visit them. They are present in much of my work, and have formed my main subject matter. Ataraxia is a state of mind that I find in the forest; a sense of peacefulness and emotional tranquility encompasses my body and mind, freeing me from all concerns, allowing me to breathe deeply all of the redolent aromas of the forest.”

Gerry Sevier

Born Hamilton, On. I934. Graduate of Brantford C.I. and OCAD. Illustrator from 1958 - 2003. Part-time teacher OCAD 1965 - 1995. Fine artist since 1963. Life member and past president of OSA . Life member of the Arts & Letters Club of Toronto. Many paintings are in private and corporate collections, including the Government of Ontario Art Collection.

“Process is the most important part of painting. I am always learning and evolving. My strongest influence and inspiration is nature __ its beauty, its ruggedness, its serenity. I strive to reflect its light and shadow, its structure and patterns. I believe “White Tulips" has a graphic quality as well as communicating serenity.”

Barbel Smith

Bärbel received her training through self-study and attending Alberta University of the Arts. She has travelled from coast to coast capturing the colours, light, and joy in her depiction of the Canadian landscape; focusing on the emotive use of colour and line – erasing details and infusing her spiritual vision.

”I create lyrical semi-abstract landscape paintings using acrylic or oil. I strive to see beyond the busy surface and interpret the light, colours and shapes of this numinous land. While my paintings are inspired by on-site plein-air sketches; the final result approaches the realm of surrealism.”

Margaret Stawicki

Margaret Stawicki is Polish-Canadian artist based in Mississauga. She admires simplicity and is attracted to minimal use of colour. Beside paintings, she is creating clay sculptures and 3D installations very closely related to subjects of her paintings. Her work can be described as modern, symbolic, narrative, emotional, energetic, and imbalanced.

My work is not representational, is rather a bit abstracted. Since my primary focus is on human emotions and the passing of time as a source of transformation on us, people, I like to create illusion of vast spaces with somewhat symbolic elements to convey absents, isolation and memory.

Janice Mason Steeves

Janice Mason Steeves holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and a diploma in Drawing and Painting. Represented by galleries in Canada and the US, her work is in collections in North America and internationally. Janice teaches abstract art in remote landscapes around the world through her program called Workshops in Wild Places.

“Applying oil paint in extremely thin, translucent layers that overlap each other, Janice’s work reflects the rhythms of nature, the seasons, the cycles, the wind. She builds up the surface gradually, layer by layer, creating luminous colour fields that appear to move like slow breath, offering a quiet visual meditation.”

Doug Stratford

Doug Stratford is a painter and art educator living in Toronto, Canada. He has taught at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Ontario College of Art and Design, Sheridan College and in many of the Greater Toronto Area secondary schools.

'A Place for Emily Carr' is part of a series of paintings entitled 'Peace'. This group of works encourages the viewer to reflect visually upon the concept of peace. It does this by transporting the individual to places of calm and serenity.

Roger Sutcliffe

Roger Sutcliffe is a Nepean-based painter and printmaker with a Diploma in Fine Arts, and a studio member of the Ottawa-Gatineau Print Connective. His creations have been shown in Canada and internationally in solo, juried, group, and touring exhibitions. He is represented by the NAK Gallery, Ottawa https://nakgallery.ca/

“Given my compulsion to explore and push my boundaries the pandemic has given time to reflect and experiment creating paintings and hand-pulled prints reflecting my interest in the interaction of lines, shapes, colours and pattern. The selected work reflects my recent thinking and experiences, and influences from contemporary printmaking.”

Kari Visscher

Kari Visscher was born and raised in St. Thomas, Ontario.  She enjoyed both arts and sciences completing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Communications and a Medical degree.  Kari became a Radiologist and is currently an Adjunct professor at McMaster University.

“I am a radiologist and artist. Inspired by patient’s healthcare experiences and medical culture, my artistic focus is on recognizing and bridging gaps in knowledge and communication not only between physicians and patients, but also between patients, between medical colleagues, and within one’s own development of professional identity.”

Radek Vizina

Born in the Czech Republic, Radek Vizina now resides in London, Ontario. He has studied at O.C.A.D, the Art Students League of  New York and some at ARA. He’s a member of the Ontario Society of Artists and the Portrait Society of America. His “Self-Portrait with Glasses” was included in the second round of jurying for the 2020 BP Portrait Awards in London, England.

“Whether I’m painting, drawing or sculpting I feel like I’m always struggling with the subject. If the process is too easy, I must be doing something wrong. I tend to work slowly, preferring to sneak up, time and again, until it surprises me and says “ I’m finished”.”

Carol Westcott

Contemporary landscape painter, Carol Westcott depicts natural and built environments. Her images evolve from memories, fragments of experience and influences of early life in rural Ontario. Her current works are part of a developing collection giving fresh expression to the Ontario landscape by highlighting settings that might easily be overlooked.

“Growing up in rural Ontario gave me an early appreciation for the land and its vagaries so, from a very young age, I was inspired by the natural environment and landscape that I now present in my work. ‘Loosely Woven’ captures sky, water and earth combining into a sort of loosely woven tapestry.”

Steve Wilson

I work out of my Studio/Gallery in downtown Niagara Falls, served on many boards, am an elected member in the OSA, SCA, CFS and SOVA and have shown nationally and internationally. I’ve received many awards. I’ve recently been accepted as a finalist in the Salt Spring Island National Art Prize 2021. You can reach me via email at stevesart@gmail.com or visit my website: www.stevewilsonstudios.com.

“In my work I try to convey a feeling, emotion or message by capturing in one frame or image a moment that freezes time. I like to capture, create and play with light and shadow creating a mood to make you feel you are there.”

Elayne Windsor

Elayne Windsor is an award winning contemporary collage artist from the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario. She is a retired primary school teacher who moved into a career in Art in 2015. Elayne is self taught. Her work has been exhibited across Southern Ontario and recently in the US. 

“My collages are created using a variety of found and purchased papers. Paper holds patterns, marks, scratches, rips, text and images which spark memories. My work creates a memory mosaic. “Our very consciousness is an ever-changing collage of mental fragments held together by one’s sense of self.” - architect Juhani Pallasmaa”