Canadian artist Denise Antaya’s light-filled landscape paintings are reminiscent of simpler times. View more of her portfolio by visiting her website.
![landscape painting of the sun through trees on a lake by Denise Antaya](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Evening-Portal-500px.jpg)
“Evening Portal” oil on panel, 20” x 20”
I was born in a small town outside of Windsor, Ontario. I grew up in the country and our home was across the street from a small river. We had an idyllic childhood catching tadpoles, playing in the fields of grass, skating on the river in winter and fishing in the summer.
![landscape painting of an unpaved road through a meadow by Denise Antaya](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Morning-Walk-500px.jpg)
“Morning Walk” oil on linen, 10” x 8”
Across the lane lived a farmer with cows. Bicycles were our mode of transportation. With the fast paced world we live in, I long for the simplicity of my childhood, the vacant fields of grass and wildflowers, the freedom of enjoying nature. I am rebelling against the way the world has changed.
![landscape painting of the view from a tower in the wetlands by Denise Antaya](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/From-the-Tower-500px.jpg)
“From the Tower” oil on panel, 18” x 24”
I paint in oils and my style is realism. My goal is to transport the viewer back in time to a simpler way of life.
![landscape painting of a muddy road through a meadow by Denise Antaya](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Watching-Over-Us-500px.jpg)
“Watching Over Us” oil on panel, 18” x 24”
I want to take them back to the days when the grass was greener, the water was cleaner and the sun was brighter.
![landscape painting of a meadow in a forest by Denise Antaya](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Days-End-500px.jpg)
“Days End” oil on linen, 10” x 8”
Slowly but surely, the population explosion and the need for newer, bigger and better is robbing the planet of our natural spaces. I am trying to document these places on canvas, reminding everyone how things used to be.
![landscape painting of an algae covered pond by Denise Antaya](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Passing-Storm-500px-resized.jpg)
“Passing Storm” oil on linen, 10” x 8”
I am drawn mostly to water and natural habitats untouched by man. I love the algae covered ponds, lily pads, wild grasses, crooked trees and weed covered fields.
![landscape painting of puddles on a dirt road by Denise Antaya](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Puddles-500px.jpg)
“Puddles” oil on panel, 21.25” x 12”
I love the mist above an overgrown meadow in the fall when the cool air meets the warm earth.
![landscape painting of sunset over a farm by Denise Antaya](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Second-Generation-500px.jpg)
“Second Generation” oil on panel, 36” x 18”
I hope to make the audience see the way the light can transform an everyday scene we often overlook. I want to make the viewer feel the warm sun on the rocks at the end of the day, see the rainbow in a light rain, catch the last glow in the clouds of a sunset and feel the cold wind and snow on a winter day.
![landscape of a small pond by Denise Antaya](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-Hideaway-500px-resized.jpg)
“The Hideaway” oil on panel, 24” x 24”
If I can transport the viewer to a simpler time, to a place they dream of being, I have done my job. If I can give my paintings a “sense of place,” then I have succeeded. Nature is the finest teacher and grounds us when we need it the most.
![landscape painting of a yellow house at the top of a lane by Denise Antaya](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/COVER-TheYellowHouse-500px.jpg)
“The Yellow House” oil on panel, 11” x 14”
If you can’t take the time to enjoy your surroundings first hand, I hope my paintings can take you there. More importantly, I hope they make you remember when…
Artist Denise Antaya invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
These are so lovely. My favorite is From the Tower.
I love your play with the sunlight and reflections in the water. It does make the simplest things in life enjoyable, which we take for granite most of the time. A time needed to seek joy.
Very wonderful light in each piece!