
I am a Canadian artist working in oil, acrylic, watercolour, and mixed media. My work blends realism and impressionism and is rooted in over twenty years of full-time practice. I create original paintings that with a meaningful connection to place.
I have original artwork in permanent collections, including the City of Ottawa Fine Arts Collection and the Canadian War Museum. My work is also held in numerous corporate and private collections.
Over the years, I’ve exhibited my work in a wide range of settings, from outdoor art shows and festivals to galleries and community events. Every show and exhibition has been memorable in its own way, a few highlights that were turning points for me include a solo exhibition at the Ottawa International Airport, the Dumoine River Project (2012) at the Canadian Museum of Nature, and my Bon Echo / Mazinaw Rock project at Bon Echo Provincial Park (2025)
I like to create a series or projects focusing on particular places. My project work goes beyond the canvas, incorporating painting, writing and photography. Though this process I'm able to share the visual beauty through painting and the significance of what inspired the work with writing. I often speak about the stories behind my work—where it was created, what inspired it, and why it matters. This commitment to meaning and connection is central to my practice as an artist.
When working on location, I sketch and create small watercolours and gather additional reference material through journaling and photography.
I began painting in oils at an early age. In 2010, I began exploring acrylics, and today I feel comfortable working in oils, acrylics, and watercolour. My mixed media work has expanded into handcrafted jewelry and wood carving. I'm an Official Ontario Wood Partner, working with locally sourced Ontario wood.
I was born into a military family and grew up moving frequently, living in Kingston, Petawawa (Ontario), Europe, and Winnipeg (Manitoba) before finally settling in Ottawa, Ontario, where I spent my teens and early twenties. As a second-generation artist, I grew up surrounded by art and the creative process. I developed a deep appreciation for the arts and was encouraged to develop my own skills, eventually pursuing a career as a professional artist.
I spent over a decade living in Quebec along the Ottawa River in the Ottawa Valley. During this time, I spent much of it in the whitewater stretches of the Ottawa River. In 2005, I moved back to Ontario, where I continue to live and work as an artist.
Folklore Art Show
Oct 7th - November 14th, -2026
at
Art Apothecary
192 King St. E, Gananoque, Ontario
Opening Reception & Vernissage
Saturday Oct 10th, 2026
5pm - 8pm
The Folklore Art show is a themed Art exhibit featuring
artists interpretation of Folklore, Ledged, Myth and Conspiracy.
Its should be a really interesting show!
FRESKA Café & Eatery
151 Bridge St. in Carleton Place, Ontario
Open 8am - 3pm
Tuesday to Sunday
Lake Effects
16 Bedford St, Westport, Ontario
Open everyday
10am - 5pm
1890 Natural Bath Company
224 Lawrence St.
Merrickville, Ontario
Open Tues - Sunday
10am - 5pm
for original pieces Email: windrockridgeartiststudio@gmail.com
Shelley Leach © 2026 - All Rights Reserved