Sketchy Canadian Artist
I create art that shares the Canadian story inspired by the road trips, adventures, everyday experiences, and small joys I have discovered in the nooks and crannies of Canada … a country that I have explored from coast, to coast, to coast.
Photo taken by my Sweetie while on a road trip from Canada to New Mexico in Vinny VAN Go, our van converted for camping. Taken at one of the many coffee shops we visited, because nothing about life is simple without coffee! (2024)
The old grain elevator. Our overnight spot in Vinny VAN Go when visiting Climax, SK.
O Canada!
Inspiration for Canadian Art doesn’t come from sitting in a studio, it comes from exploring Canada.
An epic 18,000 km road trip north of the Arctic Circle in Vinny Van Go (my mini-van converted for camping), the Calgary Stampede, skating on the Rideau Canal in our country’s capital, and exploring coffee shops in my own back yard have all served as inspiration.
I’m just out there living life and then sharing the stories of my lived Canadian experience through my artwork and my blog.
Every piece of art I create feels like a memory, a Canadian vignette, or a fragment of a larger narrative of Canada as I have experienced it.
My blogposts (aka Notes) share ordinary Canadian moments and let you “peek over the fence” into Canadian back yards all across the country.
Little Bits About Me
Where I grew up
Dairy farm
I am
A Canadian Gal
I can't live without
Nature
Things I love
Tiny Houses
As a minimalist who has embraced simple living, I explore intentional simplicity in my art work – both in the process and in the materials.
I am not an artist who has a studio cluttered with unlimited supplies and intricate tools. I use a limited watercolor palette, simple tools, and found supplies in my artwork.
The “less is more” philosophy that I live by translates to my artwork as well.
My art focuses on mood, memories, and small joys.
- An imperfect, hand-drawn mark feels human, humble and deeply Canadian to me
- My small format originals feel like found Canadian treasures you can hold in your hand
- Fewer and found supplies mirrors the simplicity and resourcefulness that anchors the Canadian lifestyle
Request a Commission
Would you like an urban sketch of your childhood home, your cottage, or some other special place? Send your request with a photo.
Email: nolanoreen@gmail.com
Perfect Gift For:
- First Time Home Buyers – new home
- Graduates – their school
- Parents – family home/childhood home
- Teachers – classroom/school
- Bride & Groom – church where they are being married
- Volunteers – place they volunteer
- Apartment Dwellers – their building
- Retirements – the workplace
- Dad – Workshop/Vehicle/Motorbike
- Mom – Garden/Kitchen/She Shed
- Teen – First Car/Bedroom
- Church Friends – the church
