W W W . S H E L L E Y L E A C H . C O M
Canadian Landscape Artist Shelley Leach
Through my artwork I aim to capture, nature, peace and resilience.
BIO
My art medium is oil and acrylic painting; genre is landscape and wilderness. All my large original paintings are created in studio in oil or acrylic paint with the use of reference materials from being on location. I have original artwork in permanent collections with the Canadian War Museum, and City of Ottawa Fine Arts collection as well as numerous corporate and private collections. My artistic vision is deeply rooted in the Canadian Landscape and wilderness, my style seamlessly blends elements of realism and impressionism.
I often create series of original paintings. My vivid landscape and wilderness paintings tell a story, art is my visual language hopefully allowing me to share these stories with you, fostering a deeper appreciation of these areas and the uniqueness that connects them to our daily lives. Photography is a serious hobby of mine and I often use photography when showing and explaining the areas I visit as it would be impossible to paint all the natural beauty I witness.
I‘ve had a paintbrush in my hand since about the age of seven. I was mesmerized by watching my mother mix paint then create something from someplace we had visited or seen. I've practiced in the fine arts professionally since 2005. Although, my experience in arts has been continuous throughout my life a second generation artist. My mother was a mentor as I began to paint, she was a landscape artist with work collected nationally and internationally. Mary Louise Leach) 1945-2003. I grew up surround by art in a creative and encouraging home and environment. All to say, art was always a part of my life, as was nature.
It was never a question for me being a landscape artist would eventually also be my career path. I've heard the second generation artist inherits not only techniques but also the spirit, discovering art is more than aesthetics; it’s a language. I believe this to be true.
My father, Bill Leach (Lieutenant General, retired CMM, CD), 1942-2015, served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a logistician. His distinguished career not only provided me with a unique upbringing characterized by both domestic and international travel but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for different cultures and landscapes. He was known for keeping his hair a little longer than most during his time. This, combined with my mother, a serious landscape artist, shaped my future experiences. In turn inspiring my passion for painting the Canadian landscape, known for its natural beauty and pristine wilderness.
In my 20's ,30's and 40's , I spent a vast amount of time exploring Rural Eastern Ontario and almost 12 years living in Western Quebec. There, nature and wilderness seamlessly intertwined with everyday life, igniting my deep passion for wilderness painting. I reveled in discovering unique corners of these regions, translating their beauty onto my canvases. Since then, my artistic exploration has expanded beyond those familiar borders. I now seek inspiration from diverse landscapes from all areas in Canada. Yet, it was those early years amidst the untamed beauty of Rural Ontario and Western Quebec that laid the foundation for my love of wilderness painting.
I have exhibited my paintings at the Outdoor Adventure Show in Ottawa and Toronto as well as numerous art events with my original wilderness paintings. Large solo exhibits included Ottawa International Airport and The Museum of Nature where my original Dumoine River series of paintings were exhibited for a special event. I have worked collaboratively with other artists as well as groups with common interests such as the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.
From 2005- 2015 I worked from my home-based studio in Kars, Ontario. From 2015-2018 I moved more times than I care to count to more places than I care to remember. Finally in 2023 I re-opened my studio Wind Rock Ridge a open studio so I could invite visitors into my studio and expanded into a open studio with an adjoining art gallery.
'Wind Rock Ridge Art Gallery' . Now, 2024 I am spending the summer and fall gathering more painting subject for a new series project of Bon Echo Provincial Park/Mazinaw Rock and surrounding area. You can find out about my current art "project "on my artists project page. If you have interest in a specific original painting currently available I'm always available you can find contact info below.
Creative Vision
Every landscape I paint are areas I've visited. A lot goes into each painting and actually getting into the studio to create that one-of-a -kind piece is only a fraction of the work that went into creating it, having said that in most cases its the longest part of the process. I try to keep my subject to places or areas that have a uniqueness and are distinctively Canadian Landscapes.
I like to make sure your one-of-a-kind piece of original artwork from a recognized artist is an investment you will be proud to own for generations to come. All works of art are sold with certificates of authenticity. Pricing does not include possible framing options.
Fresh off the easle
'Echoes of Last Light' second painting in my Bon Echo/Mazinaw Rock Mini Series see Artist project page for more details.
Bon Echo Mazinaw Rock Mini Series Painting 1. by Shelley Leach " The Shapeshifer" 16 x 20 acrylic on canvas you can see more on my artists project page