Denise Antaya’s art focuses on the simple things in life, particularly the stunning beauty we find in nature. The artist chooses subjects that range from season to season, but almost always represent the natural environment that has not yet been ruined by human involvement. On a technical note, her process starts with an underpainting, called a brunaille. It’s meticulously rendered, and as the artist states it is ”the most important part of the process”. Starting with the brunaille, the composition, value-range, structure, and drawing are all organized before colour is added. As the artist states, “no amount of paint can correct a bad drawing or poor composition. It’s the foundation needed to create a successful painting.” Once the composition and structure is in place, she moves in with colour. Her masterful compositions create a sense of balance, allowing the viewer to appreciate the complex and subtle depictions of sunlight with stunning gradients of chroma. Her extreme sensitivity and patience in depicting these natural landscapes encourages reflection and contemplation in each viewer, prompting us to experience the sublime in our everyday surroundings.

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- Duncan MacDonald, Curator