The work of Claudette Castonguay celebrates an enthusiastic love of life. From an afternoon cocktail party to relaxing with friends on the beach, Claudette’s paintings pull you in and convey a feeling of being light as air and unapologetically happy. Claudette’s elegant, painterly style easily conveys the delight she feels while painting and communicates this to the viewer through wonderfully saturated colours and delicate brushwork. Warm, charming, and cheerful, her paintings entice the viewer to share in a wonderful world of her imagining where painted gardens offer beautiful fragrant bouquets to decorate tables and send to loved ones.
Join us in celebrating west coast painters! This curated collection of artwork features artists that capture the unique beauty and spirit of the West Coast, including Peter Wyse, Ken Kirkby, Dana Irving, Greta Guzek, Blu Smith, Paul Jorgensen, and many more talented artists.
I have a deep connection with this compilation of my work. I am rarely awed by my work, but I held my breath till the very end. It somehow is imbued with hope. Maybe because it was painted during the pandemic, and it felt as though one could get through it all.
"Mountains have continuously stirred profound feelings in us, and we are moved to create beautiful buildings that strive to belong in this natural world of unparalleled beauty? This limited collection of five new acrylic on canvas paintings has a great deal of sentimental meaning for Fraser Brinsmead. When the viewer observes the properties of Jasper Park Lodge, Post Hotel, and Chateau Lake Louise, the original architects had to consider the immense scale of their surroundings. There is a clear definition between the architecture of humankind and the architecture of God. Fraser Brinsmead has gone to great lengths to express his admiration of these two architects.
Paul Jorgensen’s playful landscapes feature bright colours, intricate patterns and joyful vignettes. His unique approach to painting is enhanced by skewed perspectives and a prolific use of intertwined shapes and forms, revealed as lush gardens, secret paths and distant locations. Paul’s narrative style further encourages the viewer to immerse themselves in his paintings and dream of travels and adventures to come. "In the time of Covid-19 I have had more time in the studio to reflect and expand on my process. I have been excited to experiment with different paint applications and palettes and am revisiting the places I hope to see again, one day soon." -Paul Jorgensen
At once whimsical and serene, Dana Irving’s paintings create a sense of wonder and quiet in the viewer, inviting them to guess at the stories that unfold in her unique landscapes. Her work has been compared to both Emily Carr and Dr. Seuss, and both hold true in her incredibly creative approach to painting the Canadian landscape. Dana Irving was born in Prince George, BC. She studied at Douglas College, Victoria College of Art, Vancouver Academy of Art, Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and Kwantlen College. Influenced by the painters of the 1930s and ’40s as well as Canada’s own Group of Seven, Dana has travelled extensively across British Columbia and Alberta, as well as forays into Ontario and Quebec, finding endless inspiration in the Canadian landscape. Seduced by the drama of the ever-changing natural beauty around her, her paintings focus on movement and light with a touch of whimsy.VIEW EXHIBITION
Steve R. Coffey has always thought of the prairies as a place loaded with visual intricacies. Throughout his travels, he has found that there is simply no light like that of the Canadian prairies. Further describing his relationship with the light of the Canadian prairies, Steve states: “I feel that a human being is both dwarfed and defined within this light. I use human elements as both a romantic and metaphorical signal. Not for a sense of aloneness, but rather as an individual existing under the vast sky. My paintings are mental snapshots. I’ll see something that strikes me, file it away in my head and draw on it as I return to my studio. These files I call ‘Memory Polaroids.'” - Steve R. Coffey
Alain Bédard’s passion for painting started in 1976 and led him to pursue art studies at Cégep de Ste-Foy in Quebec. He then traveled to New York to continue his studies and gain experience in illustration. Never one to rest, Alain’s desire to push his own boundaries led him to further his education at Laval University where he completed his Baccalaureate in 1984. While attending Laval University he had the privilege of studying under the renowned Canadian painter Claude A. Simard, who became a great friend and mentor. Having worked as a professional painter for many years now Alain has developed a distinct style based on his travels, love of architecture and brilliant use of colour.
OCTOBER 17, 2020 UNTIL OCTOBER 29, 2020
The intrepid works of Rod Charlesworth return to the West End Gallery in Edmonton on October 17, 2020! We are pleased to announce a collection of new oil paintings in a variety of shapes and sizes! Don't miss this. Subscribe to our mailing list!
OCTOBER 3, 2020 UNTIL OCTOBER 15, 2020
Artist Peter Shostak returns to the West End Gallery in Victoria for a major solo exhibition of twenty-five new oil paintings. Mr. Shostak takes the viewer back to simpler times in an environment unspoiled by television, smartphones and social media.
Born in rural Bonnyville, Alberta, to parents who had emigrated from Ukraine, Peter fondly remembers working on the farm and playing pond hockey with his brothers. It is fitting that the title of this latest exhibition at the West End Gallery is, "This Was Our Childhood."
SEPTEMBER 19 UNTIL OCTOBER 1, 2020
Irving’s painting style is borne of a deep affection for the Canadian landscape. From her childhood in rural BC surrounded by pine trees and lakes to her current home in Vancouver, where no one can ignore nature, the natural world has left an indelible mark on her sense of aesthetics and place. Irving turns her artistic expression toward the spacious forests of ancient trees, the looming mountains, the rolling ocean, the emerald green rivers and the moody weather around it all.
SEPTEMBER 12 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
Elaine Brewer-White is well known for her provocative personifications of real people, including well known Canadian celebrities. This exhibition is in partnership with Mary Ann Laing.
SEPTEMBER 12 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
Mary Ann Laing is a Victoria-based artist who has been painting for over 30 years. Inspired by the landscapes around Vancouver Island, her colourful and playful renditions of beloved places bring joy to the viewer. Her colour palette is a rich combination of complementary blues and oranges with the ever-present lush greens associated with the West Coast landscape. With each painting, she tells a story, and Mary Ann can bring the viewer on a visual journey where you can bring your own experience and layer it with hers.
A signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Mary Ann’s work has been included in many exhibitions over the past 25 years.
JUNE 6 UNTIL JUNE 18, 2020
Greta Guzek is celebrating 20 years and her 11th solo exhibition Between the Lines June 6 – 18, 2020, with West End Gallery! Greta’s joyous and whimsical West Coast paintings are familiar both in their stunning beauty and their intimate charm. Utilizing the intricate design and vivid colours, her paintings capture the idyllic qualities that are intrinsic to the serenity of coastal life and nature. This latest collection of paintings also draws inspiration from the poems of Robert Perry, whose anthology “The Arbutus Islands”; provide insight into life on the West Coast. By having a different poem displayed with each painting Greta hopes that it will enhance the viewer’s appreciation and understanding of each painting and offer a deeper glimpse into her artistic vision.
AUGUST 22, 2020 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
Salt Spring Island artist Jeannette Sirois presents her second solo exhibition with West End Gallery. Jeannette’s painstakingly detailed botanical drawings are a sight to behold. Spending thousands of hours in the studio, her coloured pencil pieces on paper are a testament to her dedication, patience and passion. Using nature as her guide, Jeannette expertly renders the intricate blooms plucked from her garden, including tulips, irises and poppies.
JULY 4, 2020 UNTIL JULY 16, 2020
The West End Gallery is pleased to present Fraser Brinsmead's premiere exhibition in Victoria opening July 4, 2020! "Big Cities, Private Moments" is a collection of original paintings based on cities from Fraser's travels including: New York, San Francisco, Vancouver and Victoria. Drawn to the diversity of the urban landscape, Fraser is consistently enthralled by the bounty of personal connections found within the larger environment.
MAY 16, 2020 UNTIL MAY 22, 2020
The West End Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new works by Brent Laycock opening on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Much of his landscape painting expresses his love of the panoramic expanse of earth and sky which he develops into lyrical compositions. He works using a fluid, spontaneous style where the paint is applied in bold direct strokes rather than conforming to a preliminary drawing. In his painting, communicating an emotional response is more important than detailed representation.
MAY 2 UNTIL MAY 14, 2020
Paul Paquette’s premiere exhibition with West End Gallery has been a long awaited and eagerly anticipated event. Having studied as a graphic designer before turning to professional painting in 2003, Paul has since dedicated himself to mastering the art of composition and design. Based in Squamish, Paul’s collection of new artworks are a painterly ode to the natural landscapes that can be found around southern British Columbia.