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.
ARTIST 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, including the Canadian War Museum, where my own pieces are showcased alongside my late mother's contributions. My works are also part of the 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, with a style that blends elements of realism and impressionism. My work is shaped by my personal exploration of the Canadian landscape.
I often create series or projects of original paintings focusing on particular areas. My project work goes beyond the canvas, incorporating painting, photography and narrative to foster a deeper appreciation for these areas and the uniqueness that connects them to our daily lives.
Photography is an essential tool in my creative process. It allows me to capture the landscapes I explore in a way that differs from painting and provides valuable reference material that informs my work, deepening my connection to the natural world.
I’ve held a paintbrush for as long as I can remember, around the time I became aware I am dyslexic. I consider it a profound creative gift that shapes my perspective. As a self-taught artist, my artistic development has been influenced not only by this unique way of seeing the world but also by the diverse experiences of my upbringing. These early exposures sparked my creativity and cultivated the tenacity that defines my work as an artist.
My mother, Mary Louise Leach (1945-2003), was a pivotal mentor when I began to paint. My father, Bill Leach (Retired, Lieutenant-General, CMM, CD, 1942-2015), had a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces as a logistician, they provided me with a unique upbringing. My mother was an accomplished artist, her work was collected nationally and internationally, with over 25 pieces in the Beaverbrook Art Collection of War Art at the Canadian War Museum. She was commissioned through the Canadian Armed Forces Civilian Artist Program (CAFCAP) and later created a series of paintings depicting military family life, part of the War Museum’s permanent collection. Throughout her career, she balanced her military commissions with traditional landscape painting.
In the mid-1980s, she embarked on two trailblazing artistic expeditions to Canada’s far North—remarkable accomplishments for women artists of her time. She was also the founder of the Canadian Miniature Society of Artists (CMS) and a member of the Royal Miniature Society of Artists (RMS).
Since 2005, I’ve dedicated myself to the fine arts, building on my lifelong journey as an artist while charting my own path. Growing up in a creative environment where art and nature were central to my life, I’ve built upon the foundation my mother started, adding my own voice and vision.
I was born in Kingston, Ontario, and spent most of my teenage years in the Ottawa Region. Later, I lived for nearly 12 years in remote areas of Western Quebec. My professional art career began in the Whitewater regions of Quebec and Ontario, where nature and wilderness seamlessly intertwined with daily life, providing impactful inspiration from the rugged, untamed beauty of these areas. These early experiences have had a lasting influence on my work.
Now residing in Smiths Falls, Ontario, a small town with rural charm, my art has evolved beyond depicting the landscapes of my early surroundings, drawing inspiration from the diverse landscapes across Canada.
Due to the immersive nature of my art projects, I often take unconventional approaches to showcasing my original project artwork, seeking ways to engage with viewers in unique and meaningful ways. I particularly enjoy presenting to small groups, as it allows for a deeper, more personal connection with my work.
Over the years, my projects have been featured at events such as the Outdoor Adventure Show in Ottawa and Toronto, alongside numerous art events showcasing my original wilderness paintings. Notable solo exhibitions include the Ottawa International Airport and the Museum of Nature, where my Dumoine River series was displayed as part of a special event.
While many of my paintings are part of larger projects, I also create standalone landscape pieces, each capturing the vastness and natural beauty of the Canadian landscape.
CREATIVE VISION
You can find out about my current art " project "on my artists project page.
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.
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. Check the events page for current locations you can find some of my original work.