Explore Canadian Artist : Local Art from Vancouver to Whistler, BC.
Graham Watts is a landscape artist who specializes in wildlife and local scenery of Vancouver, Whistler, and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. His original pieces are hand-painted in oil on canvas and feature a hint of realism with the artist’s interpretation. Graham’s work is sold throughout British Columbia, across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Canadian artist Graham Watts, originally from Guelph, Ontario, has called Vancouver his home for 25 years. “I love living on the West Coast. My inspiration is developed by the variety of people, different environments, colours, and sounds, all triggering ideas for my paintings.”
If you are a fan of the raw strength of coastal scenes by E.J. (Edward John) Hughes, Graham’s art is reminiscent of Hughes’s depiction of British Columbia. Graham also finds inspiration from the Group of Seven, such as Emily Carr and Lawren Harris. The endless beauty of our natural environment provides countless possibilities for inspiration beyond the city.
An outdoors enthusiast, Graham says his art springs naturally from his love of skiing, hiking, and watersports in the region’s wilderness. “Being in the outdoors provides me with the opportunity to connect with myself and eliminate the distractions and noise of the city, helping in my creative process.”
When you visit his work at local Whistler and Vancouver galleries, like Pacific Arts Market, you’ll see that his style incorporates the rich, bright colours of B.C.’s spectacular coastal vistas. As one client remarked, “It brings the greatness and colours of Western Canada’s wilderness into our home.”
ARTIST STATEMENT
Creating art is my passion! Every time I face a blank canvas there is a rush of energy and excitement. It is not something I can express with words… but it is, always, the beginning of a new original creation. I hope when others view my work, the energy of these beautiful West Coast places leaps from the canvas.
“I have a gift, it’s not that I paint particularly better than other people — I would never fool myself into believing that. Rather it’s that I’ve taught myself to be patient with my work and patience is a very important variable of success. I believe every detail is as important as the whole. Like every facet and detail of your life is built upon a strong foundation. I want to believe that this gift of patience has translated into the rest of my life… but I’m not sure I’m there yet.
I’m still just a masterpiece in the making.”
MY PAINTING PROCESS
Every painting begins with a search to capture the essence of a landscape. Landscapes hold the magic of life and sometimes it takes time to understand its powerful inner expression.
In preparation for a painting, Graham spends time in nature, exploring and studying the landscape. Experiencing firsthand the energy of a place, the scale, temperature, colours, lighting, textures and above it all, the feelings that arise within from this exposure.
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After this initial phase, Graham works in his studio for extensive periods of time creating his paintings
EXHIBITIONS / GALLERIES
Nov. 31- Dec. 01, 2024
Arts Whistler presents:
"Holiday Market 2024"
Whistler, BC
Visit artswhistler.com
Arts Whistler presents:
"Holiday Market 2024"
Whistler, BC
Visit artswhistler.com
July 01, 2024 - Currently
Adara Hotel Whistler
4122 Village Green, Whistler, BC
"5 paintings currently on display"
Visit: adarahotel.com
Adara Hotel Whistler
4122 Village Green, Whistler, BC
"5 paintings currently on display"
Visit: adarahotel.com
June 30, 2023
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly 30th Annual Session
Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC)
"Featured Artist - Live Painting Event, Opening Reception"
Visit parl.ca!
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly 30th Annual Session
Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC)
"Featured Artist - Live Painting Event, Opening Reception"
Visit parl.ca!
June 17 & Aug. 30, 2023
Pacific Arts Market & The West End Business Improvement Association presents:
"West End Pop-Up - Live Painting Event"
Jim Deva Plaza, Vancouver, BC
Visit The West End Business Improvement Association!
Pacific Arts Market & The West End Business Improvement Association presents:
"West End Pop-Up - Live Painting Event"
Jim Deva Plaza, Vancouver, BC
Visit The West End Business Improvement Association!
Sept. - Oct. 2021
Arts Whistler presents
"We Heart Local Art Exhibit"
Whistler, BC
Visit artswhistler.com!
Arts Whistler presents
"We Heart Local Art Exhibit"
Whistler, BC
Visit artswhistler.com!
Dec 01, 2018 - Present
Pacific Arts Market
1448 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Visit pacificartsmarket.ca
Pacific Arts Market
1448 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Visit pacificartsmarket.ca