10 Canadian Landscape Artists Who Inspire My Work
There are so many amazing Canadian landscape artists out there! Being as stunningly beautiful as Canada is, it’s not too surprising that artists here are constantly finding inspiration in the nature surrounding them.
As a Canadian landscape oil painter and nature photographer, I definitely draw inspiration from the beauty around me. From my travels abroad to my own backyard in the Pacific Northwest, each of my landscape oil paintings (and landscape photography prints) tells a story about a real place that struck a chord within me.
That being said, I also draw inspiration from other incredible landscape artists! In a way, I believe that admiring someone else’s art is like witnessing the world through their eyes. It offers us a change of perspective that can help us find our own unique, creative expression.
Each of these Canadian landscape artists shows not only an abundance of creativity but incredible technique. It’s a privilege to learn from them and I hope you enjoy their work as much as I do!
Canadian Landscape Artists You Should Know About
Here are some current Canadian artists who you should definitely check out! From realistic paintings to abstract, from oil paintings to acrylic, you’re sure to find an artist on this list whose work resonates with you.
Let’s do this!
1. Sarah Mckendry: Canadian Realist Artist
Sarah Mckendry is the artist who first inspired me to pick up a brush and get into oil painting. So, of course, she takes the top spot on my list!
I find her story, heart, and her art so inspiring. I love her realism paintings of Canadian landscapes. I still actively take lessons from Sarah Mckendry and have learned so much from her over the years!
You can learn from her, too, if you’re interested! Currently, she offers courses in how to paint oceanscapes, moody cloudscapes, misty forests, and she also offers an oil painting masterclass.
Check out Sarah Mckendry’s website and Instagram to see this Canadian realist painter’s work .
2. Ronei: Canadian Contemporary Landscape Painter
Ronei is an amazing Canadian acrylic painter who captures the West Coast so beautifully. Hailing from Vancouver Island, her acrylic paintings of the ocean and forests are sure to make anyone’s heart yearn for the Pacific Northwest.
Not only do I love literally every single one of her landscape paintings, but she is freaking hilarious on her social media channels and I admire her ability to always keep it real. I would love to just hang out with her for a day!
Check out Ronei’s website and Instagram to see more of her paintings of Vancouver Island.
3. Carina Francioso: Contemporary Realism Oil Paintings
If you haven’t seen Carina Francioso’s work yet, you seriously need to check it out! Carina is an award-winning Canadian artist and her waterscape oil paintings will take your breath away. Her talent is mind-blowing!
Her work, which is recognized internationally, is inspired by the “incessantly changing waters of the world” after spending much of her life on various coastlines around the globe.
Peruse Carina Francioso’s website and Instagram to see her incredibly realistic water paintings.
4. Katharine Burns: Canadian Oil Painter
Katharine Burns is another amazing Canadian landscape artist who is all about water. When looking at her gorgeous oil paintings of oceans and seascapes, you can practically smell the salt in the air!
Katharine lives on the East Coast and clearly gains a lot of inspiration from the oh-so-beautiful and rugged shores of the Maritimes. I can’t wait to have an in-person lesson with her in Newfoundland someday!
Check out Katharine Burns’ oil paintings on her website and Instagram.
5. Marleen Vermeulen: British Columbia Landscape Artist
Time to take a stroll from the ocean and into the forest!
Originally from the Netherlands, Marleen Vermeulen moved to the Sunshine Coast in 1994 and is inspired by “the natural beauty of the Pacific West Coast”. She is known for her large, textured oil paintings of West Coast landscapes and bird nests.
Marleen Vermeulen’s landscape oil paintings boast everything from dense forests to spacious beaches and I absolutely love her unique style—impressionistic up close, and realistic at a distance.
Visit Marleen Vermeulen’s website and Instagram to see more of her amazing work.
6. Fiona Dalrymple: Canadian Fine Artist
Another amazing West Coast painter, Fiona Dalrymple’s work offers a unique perspective of the trees, mountains, and beaches of the Pacific Northwest.
Her work has a colourful and geometric flair and each piece makes my jaw drop! I love the way she expresses trees and landscapes in general, and I find her work truly mesmerizing.
Take a look at Fiona Dalrymple’s website and Instagram for gorgeous paintings of the West Coast.
7. Art by Di: West Coast Contemporary Art & Acrylic Paintings
Art by Di is a self-taught Canadian artist and her acrylic paintings of the West Coast are dreamy and one-of-a-kind!
Di was born in Vancouver and now resides on beautiful Bowen Island. With a major in Archaeology, her love for nature and passion for conservation are deep-rooted. Her work portrays the simplistic beauty of British Columbian landscapes by removing overwhelming details and layering vibrant colours.
Check out Art by Di’s ebsite and Instagram for more West Coast landscape paintings.
8. Jenna D. Robinson: Realistic Paintings of Western Canada
A Squamish artist like myself, Jenna D. Robinson draws inspiration from the local surroundings when creating her landscape paintings of western Canada.
From mountains to forests to the water, Jenna’s landscape paintings are colourful, vivid, and absolutely stunning. Hanging her work on your wall is like having a real piece of the PNW right in your home!
View Jenna D. Robinson’s website and Instagram to see her beautiful landscape paintings of Canada.
9. Andy Anissimoff: Interpretive Landscape Realism Artist in Squamish
Another local Squamish artist who I admire is Andy Anissimoff.
Andy’s large-scale acrylic paintings of Canadian landscapes offer a unique perspective of the nature around us. From trees to mountains to BC wildlife, his paintings are one-of-a-kind!
Check out Andy Anissimoff’s website and Instagram to see more of this local Squamish painter’s art.
10. Callen Schaub: Canadian Abstract Artist
I had to include a Canadian abstract artist shoutout on the list! Callen Schaub is an artist from Montreal who uses spinning machines, trapezes, and pendulums to create eye-catching abstract art.
While his work may not represent classic Canadian landscapes like the others mentioned here, I love Callen’s unique painting style and application process. I also admire his ability to take pain and hate and turn it into beautiful art. Check out his #fakeartmovement!
Visit Callen Schaub’s website and Instagram to see more of his incredible abstract paintings.
BONUS: Tanya Stewart, West Coast Landscape Oil Painter
The bonus Canadian artist on this list is—me! Why? Because I’m also inspired by my own will to try new things and explore, by my own surroundings and adventures, and by the creative energy within me.
After spending the last few years diving into landscape photography and rediscovering my love for art, I realized it was time to pick up the paintbrush again.
As a self-proclaimed biophile—that is, someone who can’t resist the desire to connect with nature—my landscape oil paintings are an extension of my love for all things adventurous and outdoors. From paintings of West Coast beaches and foliage to forests and mountains, I aim to create realistic representations of the natural beauty that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
I’d love for you to check out my landscape oil paintings and photography on my website and Instagram. And please, don’t be a stranger—give me a follow, say hello, and contact me with any questions or landscape painting commission requests!
I hope this blog has helped you discover a new favourite Canadian artist (or two or three!) and that their work has left you feeling as inspired as it leaves me!
Who are your favourite Canadian landscape artists? I’d love to hear all about them and see their work!
