Thelia Shelton

I've known Thelia for a couple of years and we've exhibited together at the Riverdale Art Walk and the Art Walk North in Toronto.  Her work is very bold and striking.  There's an obvious element of early 20th century art, particularly Picasso to her work...but it's like Picasso with a better colour sense.  In addition to the wonderful colours, Thelia's work always has tremendous flowing line.

www.theliashelton.com

Ian Bodnaryk

No, those aren't photos.  You're looking at the incredible work of Ian Bodnaryk.  I first saw Ian's work live at the Ottawa Art Expo, and was immediately blown away by the photo realistic detail, as were many of the Expo's patrons, as evidenced by the constant buzz around Ian's booth.  But it's not just the superb detailing...it's also the elegant simplicity of his compositions that make them so striking.

www.ianbodnaryk.com

Doris Pavelich

Doris was my booth neighbour at Ottawa Art Expo in 2012 which is how I came to know of her wonderful artwork and its astonishing realism.  The fine detail in her paintings is absolutely off the charts and has to be seen to be believed.

websites:

https://www.behance.net/dpavelich

http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/doris+pavelich/all

Troy Brooks

I first saw one of Troy's paintings at the home of a mutual friend and was immediately blown away.  Where to begin?  The elongated ladies in their elegantly rendered silk robes...the strange, mysterious, 40s Hollywood vibe...the inclusion of insects and other off-beat and edgy elements...the luminous quality of light.  Troy effortlessly sells out his shows within hours of opening and it's easy to see why.  Oh, and the painting with the lady and red hanger is owned by an obscure person by the name of Madonna.  Just sayin'.

website:

www.troybrooks.com

Andrew King

There aren't enough superlatives to describe the work of Andrew King.  Immediately distinctive and recognizable...the sharp, crisp lines, the confident use of negative space, and the intriguing, off-beat stories presented in a bold, graphic style.  The first time I saw his work live at Art in the Park in Ottawa it was instantly obvious why his art was so popular.  His creativity extends to his wildly popular themed exhibitions that are a big hit with his many, many fans.  It's no surprise that comics illustration and animation are a part of his resume as well.

website:

www.andrewkingstudio.com

Alison Fowler

I've met up with Alison at both the Ottawa Art Expo and New Art Festival.  This popular Ottawa artist shows an astonishing versatility, from her iconic bold poppies to the spare and haunting country road paintings.  Colour, nature, texture, light and shadow...all of these words apply to Alison's wonderful art.

website:

http://alicatart.com/AliWebSite/Home.html

Ken Kirsch

Ken is a Toronto-based artist who has worked in the art and advertising departments of historic Canadian institutions like Timothy Eaton and the TTC, amongst others.  I first came across Ken when doing my own research into archival Toronto scenes, and was immediately impressed by the incredible detailing and lighting in his works.  And as these pics show, he's no slouch when it comes to capturing gorgeous scenes of cottage country.  To quote his website "Ken paints the Canadian landscape that he knows and loves in his own unique realist style."

www.kenkirsch.com