End of Summer Update - August 27, 2024

Hi everyone! It’s been a hot minute since I last sent an update. I spent my summer with my family, enjoying as much outside time as possible. We visited family and friends in Nova Scotia earlier this month, dipped our toes in the Atlantic, ate a bunch of seafood and shed many emotional tears to see so many I love. The best part about the summer was enjoying a relaxed schedule. That being said, I’m looking forward to the girls starting school haha. I am ready to have more routine and structure to my schedule and more time in the days for working.

My painting “Rise and Grind” is a panoramic painting of a field in my neighbourhood, covered with snow. This piece is 60” x 20” x 1.5”.

I’m happy to share a new piece that is available on my website. This piece is titled “Rise and Grind” and shows a wintery neighbourhood scene just as the sun was rising. The size of this piece is what makes it so impressive - at 60” wide and 20” high, this panorama feels chilly and calming at the same time. Click here to check it out.

Fun News Updated - June 27, 2024

It has been a minute since my last update and I have some fun things to share :)

Last month I participated in the Federation of Canadian Artists Edmonton Chapter’s Spring Show and Sale. This show was a juried show and featured artwork from our members. I was honoured to have three pieces on display and thrilled to learn that my painting, “Tomorrow will be a Good Day” won first place! There were so many exceptional works of art there so this was an incredible award to have won.

My painting “Tomorrow Will be a Good Day” hanging on the wall with the first place ribbon to the left of it.

I love this painting so much. I think there is strong sense of being present in that scene while viewing. Painting winter scenes is one of my favourite landscape subject matter, thanks to the lovely cool tones of snow. If you also enjoy this painting, you’ll be excited for my next bit of news…

ArtMatch logo

I am now represented through ArtMatch.ca and “Tomorrow will be a Good Day” is available for purchase through this Canadian online gallery! ArtMatch.ca represents artists from Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto. They offer a diverse range of styles of art and price points to reach a wider audience. Through the website, you can purchase artwork immediately or reserve it so you can be contacted to receive interior mockups, consultation or arrange to view the work in person.

As an artist, I want to reach my audience as best as I can, that is why I’m so happy to be represented by a brick-and-mortar gallery as well as an online one. Check out the work available through ArtMatch.ca here.

Announcing New Gallery Representation - May 7, 2024

I’m thrilled to share that I am now represented by Crown & Press Gallery in Hamilton, Ontario! This is a beautiful gallery created by well-known artist Julia Veenstra. C&P represents several skilled Canadian artists, many of whom I’ve been following for years and greatly admire. It’s wonderful to be shown amongst such incredible talent.

Gallery representation was a career goal of mine for 2024 and it feels fantastic to have achieved it. The gallery visited my booth at the Artist Project and was able to view my work in person. I’m so thankful for my time in Toronto - great things are happening and I’m excited for what the future brings.

New Project Announcement - May 2, 2024

I have been painting scenes from my everyday surroundings for three years now. During this time, I’ve been focused on keeping the subject intimate to me so I can share how I view my everyday environment but I’m ready to switch things up a bit.

The "Your Everyday Project" is now live on my website. This image shows samples of photos I have taken of my neighbourhood.

I’m excited to launch a new side project called “Your Everyday Project”. This is a collaboration with you. I’m asking for contributors to share photos of their beautiful everyday with me so I can paint them. By sharing your image with me, you give me permission to paint it and reproduce my work as I wish. I will be sure to give you credit for the reference photo and, as a thank you for collaborating with me, I will send you a free print of the finished work.

So, take a moment to appreciate your home environment. Soak in a sunrise or sunset and snap a few photos. Take LOTS of pictures and when you find one that really captures the beauty of your home, share it with me.

Head to my website and visit the Your Everyday Project page to learn more and submit your images. Let’s all appreciate our home :)

April Update - April 23, 2024

It has been a week since my return from Toronto Artist Project and I cannot begin to describe how incredible of an experience it was for me! It felt surreal to be surrounded by so many skilled artists, some of whom I’ve followed for years, and to be part of a show that is THE art fair for Canada. I had many wonderful exchanges with artists, students, curators, and viewers. The weekend was tiring but rewarding, and I’m looking forward to seeing what wonderful things will come thanks to this experience.

Cover of “Snow Day”

In January of 2023, I was notified that I was selected to illustrate my best friend, mixed-Cree writer and podcast host Lindsay Gloade-Raining Bird’s children’s book “Snow Day”. To say we were ecstatic is an understatement. This project was the ultimate best friend project as we live on opposite ends of the country but were able to feel so connected through working on this story together.

Capturing the magic of a snowfall, Snow Day follows an Indigenous family as they experience all of the delights of a winter's day. While Mom shovels the driveway and Dad cares for her brother by the fire, a young girl and her dog make snowflake tea, build a snow caterpillar, catch snowflakes on their tongues, and make snow angels. All while the snow continues to fall. At the end of the day, the girl is beckoned inside by the promise of hot chocolate, and regails her family with her adventures' and dreams of doing it all again tomorrow.

“Snow Day” will be published through Nimbus Publishing in Halifax and is to be released in hardcover. The pre-order link is officially live now and you can order your copy in time for Christmas. I have put so much time and love into this project and I can’t wait to share it with families all over the country and the globe.

Now, back to finishing the book :)

Exciting News! - November 27, 2023

In July, I applied to be part of the Toronto Artist Project. This is an art exhibition that shows a multitude of artwork in various mediums by artists from all over the country and abroad. I have always paid close attention to this event as there have been some artists I truly admire showing their work during this exhibit.

This was a career goal of mine for 2023 and, needless to say, it feels pretty amazing to achieve it. The show takes place April 11-14, 2024 at the Better Living Centre in Toronto. I’m really looking forward to showing my work in front of a Torontonian audience.

I have been creating new work for this since September and I cannot wait to display my new pieces for the first time during this event. I’ll share more information as time gets closer and I learn more myself. For now, it’s back to painting!

Cheers!
Ash