Gallery Opening: Shea Caughlin

"Where the Forest meets the Sea"
an Exhibtion by Shea Caughlin
Artist Statement
This exhibit takes you deep into the misty forests of the pacific northwest. Where the ancient trees stand tall, the noise fades, and the air silent, erasing the constant chatter and everyday worries. Inspired by walking the forest trails surrounding Shea's home in Elk Valley to her adventures along the coastline. Each painting explores the ever-changing light, atmosphere, mood, and wildlife that defines the unique character of our ancient pacific northwest forests.
Each painting reflects the untamed energy and spirit of the forest. Where the trees hum with a quiet energy and the wildlife move with mystery.
Their presence both grounding and uplifting, blending together to create a dynamic combination that sparks the imagination.
Artist Biography
Shea is a self-taught wildlife artist who draws deeply from her personal experiences in nature. Since moving to the Elk Valley, Shea has been incredibly inspired by her surroundings that she picked up her paint brush after 15 years and hasn't put it down since. Working from her home studio, she draws inspiration by day and captures the wilderness of the west coast by night.
Shea's current medium is oil. Inspired by the moody wilderness of the west coast, her painting process begins on high-quality archival gallery wrapped stretched canvas. My process starts with a rough sketch of my subject with thinned oils using mineral spirits to get my underpainting started. Once dried, I capture my subject using thin oil layers and work my way to thick layers. Utilizing the slow drying time of oils, I continuously blend and build layers, block in colour, working in shadows and highlights. Focusing on cool tones first, then finishing with warm tones to ensure my colours pop.
www.sheacaughlin.ca/