Featured Artist Janet MacKay

Canadian artist Janet MacKay presents a stunning portfolio of figurative sculpture and bold landscape painting. Enjoy more of her inspired art by visiting her website.

 

Artist Janet MacKay painting in her studio

Artist Janet MacKay painting in her studio

 

Like most artists, I’ve been intrigued by art since early childhood. Growing up in Ottawa, Canada, I spent many an hour drawing on any scrap of paper I could find or visiting the National Gallery. After earning a Fine Arts degree specializing in painting and sculpture from McMaster University, I continued my education and pursued a career in graphic and industrial design.

 

Oil painting of Canadian Maples in Algonquin by Janet MacKay

“Algonquin Maples” Oil on Canvas, 30″ x 30″

 

In that career, my artistic background stood me in good stead. It eventually led me back to my vocation as a painter and a sculptor. Presently, along with my partner in love and in art, I work out of our Worldview Studio and Gallery of Fine Art, located in Ottawa, Ontario.

 

Bronze sculpture of a woman and an angel dancing by Janet MacKay

“Faith” Cast Bronze, 12″ x 18″ x 12″

 

Painting is my joy, while sculpture is my passion. Although these mediums and the techniques involved are quite different, I find them very complementary. The inspiration for my sculpture comes from the emotions within. My paintings draw on the splendour I find in the world around me.

 

Bronze sculpture of a whale by Janet MacKay

“Joie de Vivre” Cast Bronze, 8″ x 23″ x 8″

 

My sculptures are about strength of spirit and are primarily figurative, with a style reminiscent of Art Nouveau. I have recently enjoyed bringing this vision and approach to depicting the magnificence of whales.

 

Bronze sculpture of three female figures by Janet MacKay

“La Tulippe” Cast Bronze, 12″ x 18″ x 12″

 

The process of creating sculpture is a labour of love. It often takes six to twelve months from the initial concept to the finished piece, cast in bronze.

 

Oil painting of a kayaker on Riviere de Malbaie by Janet MacKay

“Riviere de Malbaie” Oil on Canvas, 60″ x 30″

 

Painting, on the other hand, with its much quicker turnaround, seems almost to provide instant gratification. My canvases reflect the world around me—a world of water, light and beauty. When I am able to capture and convey my appreciation of that world to viewers through my paintings, I feel fulfilled.

 

Oil painting of a kayaker near Telegraph Cove in Canada by Janet MacKay

“Near Telegraph Cove” Oil, 48″ x 36″

 

My work is colourful and vibrant and has been likened to that of the Group of Seven, yet is distinctively my own. There is no doubt—my art is very Canadian in both style and subject.

 

Oil painting of a kayaker by Janet MacKay

“Autumn Kayaker” Oil on Canvas, 30″ x 30″

 

Since I took up paddling a few years ago, a canoe or a kayak can often be found in my paintings. I love being out on the water. It’s where I gain a completely different vantage point, looking back at the shore with its rich reflections.

 

Oil painting of an empty canoe with clothing by Janet MacKay

“Skinny Dipping in Canada” Oil on Canvas, 48″ x 36″

 

My series of paintings titled “Skinny Dipping in Canada” is a fun, playful and somewhat mischievous interpretation of the lazy days of a Canadian summer, when clothing is not always necessary. The canoes in this series, and the garments draped across their gunnels, provide a rich palette of colours reflected in the water. It is left to the viewer to imagine where the owners of that clothing might be.

 

Oil painting of an empty canoe with tie dye clothing by Janet MacKay

“Hippie Love” Oil on Canvas, 36″ x 36″

 

I am currently working on a series of paintings inspired by a recent trip to Newfoundland. I’m enjoying transferring the enthusiasm I feel for this spectacular maritime province onto my canvases.

 

Artist Janet MacKay invites you to follow her on Facebook and her Gallery Facebook page.

 

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