Goward House

The Artist’s Work

I was born in Switzerland where I studied architectural design and pursued later graphic design, working as a commercial artist in Canada and Switzerland.

Since completing also a Visual arts degree at UVic I have devoted myself to painting and experimented in various mediums. I practice sketching, drawing – painting landscapes plein air, still life and portraiture in particular – this in oil or acrylic, also pastels.
I work spontaneously from life in rapid renderings to instil a sense of immediacy, to capture the feeling of the particular moment, my personal perception. My work is not political nor conceptual but an embodiment of my love for life and nature.

The Artist’s Work

I have been involved in the visual arts community in Victoria, B.C. for many years. Painting and drawing have always been important in my life.              

I graduated with a BFA from the University of Victoria in 1981. Following my studies I became involved in printmaking, linocuts, woodcuts, etc.          

I belonged to Watermark Printmakers for many years and exhibited in their group shows. I like to paint in watercolours and acrylics, as I enjoy the unique properties of each. I enjoy outdoor drawing and painting as through the process I am transported to a new situation of discovery. My subjects are rural areas on Vancouver Island and closer observations of local plants and flowers. I have been in the Portrait Painters Group at Goward House for a number of years. I find it exciting and always enjoyable to paint along side other artists.

The Artist’s Work

New Digital Portrait Art from Jeff Leese. In which the artist takes part in the Goward House Community, reflecting the variety of people, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and family that sat as models for our group of painters.

I consider this work a kind of journal, visually interpreting people as they are, as they are to me. I paint digitally, with a goal of being in relation with others, and then producing freely as a creative expression of the experience.

On display, there are three compositions and three individual portraits. Individual portraits include combinations of figurative and imaginative sources. Group compositions invite comparisons, highlighting the variety of human expression that we all are. 

Jeff completed a Master of Arts (2004) from UBC, and this show continues his narrative research. For more information please browse Jeffleese.art

The Artist’s Work

The Artist’s Work

I am a member of the FCA exhibiting artists, SPAC, Victoria AlFrescoes, and the Goward House portrait group. Over the years I have enjoyed painting and creating in most mediums. I am new to the portrait painting group. I find it very challenging. A challenge I enjoy.

The Artist’s Work

My art career began with a classical training at an English art school.  

Further studies at the University of Victoria

Since then I have been drawing and painting at every opportunity working in all mediums. 

Landscapes are a large part of my work      

The Artist’s Work

I’m a 16 year old artist with an intense passion for art, specifically oil painting. I have been fascinated with painting and drawing from a very young age and continue to be amazed by the beauty of creation to this day.  Along my art journey I’ve studied under a few great artists including Daniel Gerhartz, Stephanie Paige Thomson, Andrew Tischler, and Deborah Tilby.  I am involved with a few organizations including the FCA (Federation of Canadian Artists) and OPA (Oil Painters Of America). In Fall 2024 I received 1st place in the FCA Fall Exhibition. In late 2024 I won Best Portrait award in the Portrait Society of Canada’s Youth Division. Whether it’s a portrait, still life or landscape, its beauty never ceases to amaze and touch me deeply. I’m grateful to have this amazing blessing and gift of being an artist and I hope to share the thrill and excitement I feel about this wonderful world.

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, and figurative painting. 

He studied fine art and graphic design at Douglas College, putting those skills to work in private business and government before realizing that retirement was the perfect excuse to finally do what he really loves. Since then, he’s been an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) Victoria Chapter and has spent the past years happily hanging out at the Portrait Painting sessions at Goward House.

Gord’s work is inspired by the quiet, everyday moments of work and relaxation that often slip past us unnoticed as we chase our own ambitions. Through his art, he nudges us (gently, of course) to pause and appreciate the rhythm of daily life and the way work weaves us into our urban environment. You can see more of his work at http://www.gdsmith.ca/