S H E L L E Y L E A C H . C O M
Canadian Landscape Artist Shelley Leach
Feature painting
'The Shapeshifter'
16 x 20"
acrylic on canvas
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. When working on location, I use watercolours to sketch the scene and gather reference materials that I later incorporate into my studio work to capture the true essence of the landscape. I also use photography and journaling as a tool in the field when gathering reference materials.
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.
I'm in my 20th year as a practicing professional artist.
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 personal exploration of the Canadian landscape.
I often create a series or projects of original paintings focusing on particular areas. My project work goes beyond the canvas, incorporating painting, photography and narratives to foster a deeper appreciation for these areas and the uniqueness that connects them to our lives.
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 an accomplished artist and mentor who played a pivotal role when I began painting. Her work, collected nationally and internationally, includes over 25 pieces in the Beaverbrook Art Collection of War Art at the Canadian War Museum. As a commissioned artist through the Canadian Armed Forces Civilian Artist Program (CAFCAP), she created a series of paintings depicting military family life, now part of the War Museum’s permanent collection. My father, Bill Leach (Retired, Lieutenant-General, CMM, CD, 1942-2015), had a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces, providing me with a unique upbringing.
Since 2005, I’ve dedicated myself to the fine arts, building on my lifelong journey as an artist, always mindful of the early foundations that continue to inspire my present and future.
I was born in Kingston, Ontario, although most of my teenage and early adult life was spent living in the Ottawa area. 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 inspiration from the rugged, untamed natural 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.
Over the years, my art has been featured at events such as the Outdoor Adventure Show in Ottawa and Toronto, alongside numerous art events showcasing my original wilderness art. Notable solo art exhibitions include the Ottawa International Airport and the Museum of Nature, where my Dumoine River Project was displayed as part of a special event. In 2024 portions my ongoing 2024 Bon Echo /Mazinaw Rock project were part of an art exhibit in Renfrew, Ontario. April (2025) you will find me and the art created as part of my current art project of Bon Echo Provincial Park/Mazinaw Rock at the 2025 Ottawa Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show.
You can find out about my current art " project "on my artists project page. My 2024 project focused on Bon Echo Provincial Park.
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. All upcoming and ongoing exhibits, events or shows will be posted here, my next planned show with my current project are in April 2025. If you are interested in any original work seen on this site contact me directly at the email address or phone number provided below. Thanks for visiting!