Goward House

The Artist’s Work

My journey into art began in 2015 studying at home the history of art, drawing, painting, and experimenting with different mediums. I was fortunate to take a few classes at the Victoria Collage of Art before they closed. Currently studying, with great pleasure, at the Noah Layne Atelier of Realist Art. As well, as painting with the Goward House Portrait Painters. I enjoy outdoor painting with the Peninsula Plein Art Painters.

This is a journey that continues to captivate my attention with all it’s complexity.

The Artist’s Work

I was born in Switzerland where I studied architectural design. I later pursued the graphic arts and worked as a commercial artist in Canada and Switzerland.

Completing a Visual Arts degree at University of Victoria, I have painted and experimented with a variety of mediums.

I practise sketching, drawing, and painting – landscapes plein air, still life and portraiture in particular. I work spontaneously from life, in pastels, oils or acrylic in rapid renderings to in-still a sense of immediacy, to capture the feelings and mood of the particular moment, my personal perception. My body of work is an embodiment of my love for life and nature.

The Artist’s Work

Jeff Leese earned a Master of Arts from UBC and after retiring from a career as a Clinical Counsellor he continues to appreciate the depth and humanity of people through portraiture. Jeff has developed digital art techniques to interpret traditional painting concepts and will share high resolution prints of recent work.

 To see more of Jeff’s work please visit; www.JeffLeese.art

The Artist’s Work

I have been a participant in the Goward House Portrait Painters for many years and am now the coordinator. I love the opportunity to paint portraits from life, and have met many interesting people who have volunteered to sit for us. Portraiture presents many challenges, so it is always stimulating to try a new one each week.

I also love painting outdoors and belong to the A1 Frescoes plein air painting group which meets weekly and paints in many locations throughout Greater Victoria.

I have taken many courses at the Vancouver Island School of Art, using the opportunity to experiment with many different styles and genres. I work primarily in oils, but also use acrylics, watercolours and gouache when it suits the time and subject.

The Artist’s Work

From my early days of study at Nottingham Art College in England, where I qualified as an interior designer, all art forms have guided my life.

It is such a privilege to be able to spend time looking at everything around me; to transpose what I see to paper and canvas.

My affiliation with this portrait group goes a long way back to working with Elizabeth Goward and the sisters of St. Ann, whose Covent was just across the road.

Many fond memories.

The Artist’s Work

Gordon D Smith is a Vancouver Island artist working in charcoal, graphite, pastel, oil and acrylic. He has a background in graphic design, life drawing, figurative painting, computer graphics and business management.

Gord studied fine art and graphic design at Douglas College and applied his visual communication skills to private business and government. After retirement he became and active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) Victoria Chapter.

He has enjoyed attending the Portrait Painting sessions at Goward House over the past three years.

Gord’s themes are inspired by everyday work and relaxation activities that often go unnoticed as we focus on our own goals. His artwork asks us to reflect on the power of work and how it connects us to our urban environment.

Website: www.gdsmith.ca

Follow me at: www.instagram.com/gordon_d_smith/

The Artist’s Work

I feel fortunate to be able to return to drawing and painting after having been away from any sort of art practise for 45 years, before retiring in 2018. Since that time I have thrown myself into improving me artistic skills, and each creation is felt to be a fun experiment and joyful experience.

I work in a wide variety of media including oil, acrylic, watercolour, gouache, casein, and mixed media. Portrait painting is a favourite, but I also enjoy urban sketching, landscapes, collage, and abstract work. Variety keeps me engaged.

I moved from Calgary to Victoria last spring, and have been delighted to be able to join a number of the friendly and welcoming art groups operating in Victoria. The vibrant art scene here was a pleasure to discover, and I hope to be part of it for many years into the future.