31 Mar 2024

Canadian Artist Graham Watts: A Tribute to the Inspirations of E.J. Hughes, Lawren Harris, and Emily Carr

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Canadian artist Graham Watts exploring iconic Canadian artwork of famous british columbia artists. E.J. Hughes collection of oil painting on the wall at the Audain Art Museum in Whistler BC.
Visiting the E. J. Hughes exhibit. Audain Art Museum - Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Graham Watts: Capturing the Essence of British Columbia's Natural Beauty

As an artist deeply rooted in the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, Graham Watts draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of the Canadian wilderness and the vibrant urban life of Vancouver. His artworks, characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, serve as a testament to his profound connection with nature and the artistic influences that shape his creative vision.

Inspiration from the Canadian Wilderness

A Love Affair with the Sea to Sky, Whistler, and Vancouver

Graham Watts finds his muse in the natural beauty of British Columbia, particularly in the Sea to Sky, Whistler, and Vancouver regions. His paintings are a visual journey through these landscapes, capturing the essence of the Canadian wilderness. Vibrant colours and dynamic compositions define his work, creating pieces that are not only visually striking but also emotionally evocative.

E.J. Hughes: A Powerful Influence

Drawing Parallels with Coastal Scenes

One artist who profoundly influences Graham is E.J. (Edward John) Hughes, renowned for his powerful coastal scenes. Hughes’s depiction of British Columbia resonates with Graham, drawing parallels in the raw strength of nature and the emotional impact their works convey. The rugged coastline, wild skies, and the raw power of the sea depicted in Hughes’s paintings find echoes in Graham’s art. The bold and expressive style, especially in the use of colour and composition, is a shared thread between the two artists.

Group of Seven: A Collective Inspiration

Echoes of Emily Carr and Lawren Harris

Graham Watts also finds inspiration in the legacy of the Group of Seven, a collective of Canadian painters active in the 1920s and 1930s. Influential figures like Emily Carr and Lawren Harris, celebrated for their depictions of the Canadian wilderness, leave an indelible mark on Graham’s artistic expression. Harris’s serene and spiritual portrayal of the landscape resonates in Graham’s work, creating paintings that are not merely landscapes but also meditative reflections of nature’s beauty.

Endless Inspirations from Nature

A Celebration of the Canadian Wilderness

The natural environment is an infinite source of inspiration for Graham Watts. His art is a celebration of the Canadian wilderness, capturing the endless beauty, rugged landscapes, and wildlife that define the region. Each stroke of his brush pays homage to the wonders of nature, creating artworks that invite viewers into a realm of beauty and contemplation.

Cityscape Inspirations: Vancouver's Serenity

Appreciating Vancouver’s Urban Beauty

While deeply connected to the wilderness, Graham Watts’s art also reflects the urban allure of Vancouver. His appreciation for the city’s skyline and the reflections of buildings on the water surface in his paintings creates a unique blend of natural and urban beauty. The cityscape, portrayed with beauty and serenity, adds another layer of depth to Graham’s diverse body of work.