MEMORIES, and current studio news

NEW COLLECTION, finding soft places  

Last year was a pivotal year for me, so I thought I would introduce Finding Soft Places, a new collection for those seeking to inspire the senses well beyond seeing and embrace the nuances of human experience with Nature. I am at a turning point with my artwork heading down a path of softer yet more expressive paintings conveying the natural realm with the mystery of being.  The paintings in Finding Soft Places are about what endures: hope, death and the unfolding nature of thoughts. Yes, our weird, wonderful and ancient thoughts. It is these transitions from one state to another that the paintings deal with. Inspired by my time living without my Mother, the paintings invite you into deeper ways of seeing the world — evoking a soulful sense of place and belonging. They have an incantational quality that lets everything sing in the carbon of stones and bones. 

When I am layering these luminous tonal surfaces, the delicacy and the tumult reminds me of our fragile web of life. One by one our thoughts will fall and rise again in the subtle pulling of pigments to the fore of the surface.  Echoes of Rembrandt's backgrounds and Turner's handling of atmosphere influence my brushes to organically build a unique patina and language of marks.  As our thoughts ascend and descend — the landscape of humanity transforms. With extensive layers of vaporous gestures, earthy textures and titanium pulled pigment, I hope to be on this path of artistic creativity to the very end. So come along and let's hold onto each other in hope, love and sanctuary as the heart of the Earth needs us.  - Purest Love, N, 2025

 

POETIC PAINTINGS TO ILLUMINATE BOOK: 'edging forward' by Ann Dale, a 20-year project

We are just beginning to reconcile our impact on the planet.

What are we doing forgetting about love?

Sometimes writers write about our world, especially when the present reality is dire. They do it to enlighten a path they hope humanity will take. Then, there are artists who need to express a love for living things and an inspired vision of the eternal. The book blends art and science with nature-based solutions for Canada's changing landscape. Nine life-size paintings for the Edging Forward Art Collection will illuminate and introduce each chapter.  The paintings were featured and exhibited for one month at the legacy Bateman Gallery of Nature seven years ago. So, I'm super thrilled to let you know that in the spring of 2025, the paintings with updated climate-change solutions will be available for purchase in one beautifully designed book by Friesen Press & Publishing.  

The nine life-size paintings for the Edging Forward Art Collection took me five years to make.   

Edging Forward’s central themes to reconcile, reconnect and regenerate a harmonious co-existence with Nature — offers innovative and nature-based solutions for urban communities to heal our Earth. Harmoniously co-existing with Nature is key to all future designs, processes and most importantly, our culture and way of thinking.  A best-selling author and a recipient of many prestigious awards, Ann Dale is a highly distinguished social scientist who is nationally and internationally recognized for dedicating her life to research and understanding Canadian communities. She is one of Canada's top social scientists on climate change mitigation. Our changing climate and increasing storms is something many of us are very concerned about. Ann Dale has re-written the Edging Forward book for everyone to use; from the movers, shakers and learners to ultimately the people of Canada.

The book cover is designed by Friesen Press.  A special thank you to the publishing team who designed the cover using details from my "Fusing Love" painting with the swans in flight.   Much light, -N, 2024


FCA VICTORIA CHAPTER, 2024 fall exhibition
         
October 9 - 26, 2024
Colwood Arts & Culture Centre
170 Goldfinch Road, Colwood BC

My painting "Dark Rumble" was juried into the Federation of Canadian Artists, Victoria Chapter Fall Exhibition at the beautifully designed Colwood Arts & Culture Centre. Established in 1941, the Federation of Canadian Artists was founded by the Group of Seven to promote and support the knowledge and achievements of Canadian arts and culture at the national level.  Many thanks to the masters panel of peer-jurors and to the exhibition curators. The artwork was varied, engaging and celebrated our diverse artistic community. The show was free to visit and the Galloping Goose Trail and Esquimalt Lagoon are next door to the gallery and made a wonderful day out.   -N, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

ISLAND ARTS MAGAZINE, painting published  

A lovely thank you to Island Arts Magazine for selecting and publishing my painting "Hill of Dreams" for the Mar-Apr 2023 spring edition.  In the promise of an old apple tree's petals, the vibrance of change and transformation surround us. Their website can be found at: www.islandartsmag.ca.

Have a magnificent spring. Hope you find an apple tree to enjoy nature's magic. 

Much Light, N, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

BLESSED BONSAI: a covid message

Welcome to another year. I promise you the titanium whites are going to flow in soaked expressions from florals to landscapes this year. Over the holidays I finished this painting, "The Blessed Bonsai", a wild bonsai I found in Saanich at the break of light after a heavy rain. A bumblebee was feeding from the pollen.

In practice, I tend to move between Tonalism and my own brand of contemporary Luminism. Years ago, I found my own way of pulling light through canvas and hope to share this with you as we move into our 'new normal'.  Be well.

Stay safe. - N, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW FLORALS: the 'sweet hope' project

Wildflower 'portraits' for the Sweet Hope project. By its very nature the moon gently protects and influences. When we engage with the moon, we are connecting to the rhythms of the Earth, and tapping into the power and wisdom that lies within the natural world. Unique to the composition I painted the moon as a kind of portal that reveals rhythms from the primordial circle of life.

The softened edges bring a calmness to the flower...much like how it feels when I touch them.  Based on my coastal explorations of Vancouver Island, I'll be making many of these in the future.  

Much light -N, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREMIER SOOKE FINE ARTS SHOW, 2021 virtual exhibition & sale
July 23 to August 2, 2021

Attracting 10,000+ visitors, the Sooke Fine Arts Show is the region’s premiere art event and this year it is virtual, due to the pandemic.   I am honoured to have two paintings juried and accepted into the shows Dogwood Gallery. Framed in modern matte black, imagine the glow of this painting in your living space... inspiring your senses. The crest of the surf is textured from beeswax and the mark making was a delight to express.  All the best to my fellow artists.  -Much light, N

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDWARD JONES CANADA: representation
After a year of lockdowns, it is my great pleasure to announce a new corporate representative for my artwork: Bartosz Glodek of Edward Jones Canada in Cordova Bay, BC.  Dwelling in peaceful inspiration, this unique skyscape painting will bring comfort and connection to visitors and clients. The ethereal shimmer of the iridescent sky, echoes the assemblage of abalone shells, creating a texture that can be felt as well as seen. An endangered species, the decaying remnants of these shells were collected over time from the Cordova Bay beach. Their beauty should always be remembered.

In the turning of the world's page, Bartosz now holds many virtual meetings with clients. He kindly chose this spot in the office to promote my work both in-person and virtually. I am so pleased and look forward to working with Bartosz in years to come.  - Much Light, N, 2021

 

 

 

 

FEDERATION GALLERY...2020 exhibits

Here I am working during lockdown on the new Sweet Hope collection for the conservation of bees; painting after making an encaustic wax pour with local beeswax.  

Keeping with the times, I am honoured to be accepted into two on-line juried virtual shows with the Federation Gallery in Vancouver; each expressing reflections on the pandemic. Each painting recalls days spent walking under the skies among nature,  to find peace among wild things. Happy to share that our entry fees raised funds for front-line workers!  The Social Distancing exhibit is an international competition and the "Looking In, Looking Out" exhibit is the Federation Gallery's Victoria chapter spring show.    

Much light and social-caring for each other during this time, and always. - N

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'SWEET HOPE',  a new project for bee preservation
Spring 2020. Over the next several years, I am making a painting journey for bee conservation and will be exploring both changing or restored wildflower habitats on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

The Sweet Hope series will nurture a reconnection with the mystical bond we have with bees  —  a bond that is lost and dangling in today's times.  When I think about these little ones, I know them to be living nectar; bringers of life. But my heart also understands bees are part of the ordered whole, a sacred system of meaning. For it is plant species that sustain our ecosysems — our own healing and nourishment.   

 

To celebrate their life, I will make space in the composition for encaustic bees' wax.   I find the beauty of molten wax elicits a graceful texture among the organic and the man-made. Perhaps this collection might spark hope to live, heal and work in harmony with nature in contemporary life.  - Much light, N

 

 

 

 

 

PERMANENT FINE ART ACQUISITIONS: Royal Roads University

To mark the 2019 year of 'Climate Awakening in Canada', the paintings 'Fusing Love' and 'Between Tomorrow' were purchased for curatorial acquisition into the permanent fine art collection for Royal Roads University, British Columbia. Five years in the making, the Edging Forward project with Dr. Ann Dale was an artistic and educational collaboration of research, artwork and multimedia...dedicated to Canada's changing landscape. I am exceptionally grateful for this special honour.  I hope the love and energy in these paintings will stir people's hearts towards the natural world and all its’ rhythms and sustenance.  The paintings are now permanently featured in the School of Environment and Sustainability for public viewing in the new Sherman Jen building.  The university is located on the beautiful Hatley Park National Historic Site and on the traditional lands of the Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Lkwungen (Songhees) ancestors.  - Grateful, N 2019

 

 

 

BEST IN SHOW FOR ARTISTIC ACCOMPLISHMENT: Designers' Choice Award

 

The Sooke Fine Arts Show is the premier juried fine art event for my region.  I am so delighted to be the recipient of the curators, 2018 Designers' Choice Award for "best artwork that embodies an emphasis on artistic and technical accomplishment; is advanced and displays originality." In 2019, the painting "Between Tomorrow" (oil mixed-media), was showcased to represent the region's 33rd premier art event. The painting was on the front cover of the exhibition catalogue, all domestic and international social & print media, as well as  digital-street boards in the Greater Victoria region.

 

Between Tomorrow. The miracle of a birth in nature took hold of my heart and I felt that space and design had to profoundly influence the composition.  The orientation and physical format of the canvas-frame became as important as the brushwork. Presenting a five-foot 'landscape' as a 'portrait', asks the viewer to relate to the paintings on a visceral level; thus eliciting an intuitive personal response and connection between their body and the subject.  Compositionally, "Between Tomorrow" is made with two built-canvases assembled together, presenting a physical, horizontal seam where the canvases meet, reminding us of our fragile built world. This architectural reconstruction is physical, yet gently stirs the emotional energies of the viewer, as they rise with the dragonfly's first breath — a moment of transformation.  - Thrilled, N 2018

 

PERMANENT FINE ART ACQUISITION: Royal Roads University

Spring 2019. Such a very special honour to let you know that my painting 'Carbon Thoughts' has been purchased for curatorial acquisition into the permanent fine art collection at Royal Roads University, for public viewing. The university aspires to collaborations as the way forward to sustainable living and protecting nature.  Located on the beautiful Hatley Castle National Historic site and  traditional lands of the Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Lkwungen (Songhees) ancestors; the painting is displayed in the School of Environment & Sustainability, Sherman Jen Building. I am deeply grateful to the university for this exceptional honour, for the painting can now exist to celebrate the wonder of nature in the hearts of students, educators and the people for future generations.   

Carbon Thoughts.  A whirlybird key has within it a maple. We experience the teeming aliveness of the seed when tumbling in front of my country's Parliamentary Library and Peace Tower — giving life to wisdom and compassion. I'm creating in the 21st century, at a time when Earth, nature and our culture are rapidly changing. Our collective journey is at a precipice. Part of the Edging Forward Art Collection, I had to paint what my heart feels and what my soul is trying to understand.  Like love, profound beauty can be powerful.  - Much Light, N 2019

 

CLASSICAL RENAISSANCE REIMAGINED: "Emily, Remembered"
In my studio, you are viewing a stormy niche in Cordova Bay on Vancouver Island, where Emily Carr used to plein air paint. Poppies and wildflowers now grow up the banks of the bay. To deepen the connection, I created an interplay between the perspective and the foreground on this panel-painting. Sweeping to the middle and to the left, one finds a serene pause in the distant scene. There is a rhythm of its own.  The smaller, intimate scale elicits a more interactive response.  Inspired by the multi-panel design found in classical Renaissance altarpieces, this is a contemporary approach to capturing the spiritual quality of nature, I so enjoy painting.  - Be well, N 2018

 

SPECIAL EXHIBIT: Bateman Gallery of Nature 
Edging Forward: reconciliation, reconnection, regeneration
October - November 2017
This spectacular contemporary exhibit of writings and paintings by author Ann Dale and artist Nancyanne Cowell, celebrated art, love and the future of humanity in a more sustainable world. Five years in the making, the Edging Forward project was an ambitious body of research, artwork and multimedia dedicated to Canada's changing landscape and climate change. The project culminated in an extensive exhibition at the legacy Bateman Gallery of Nature in Victoria, British Columbia. Occupying two gallery rooms, the Edging Forward Art Collection was curated by Jaime Clifton-Ross, B.A. (Hons.), MMSt, Research & Art Curator.  With art and science blended together, embracing a wider more encompassing love for Nature; Earth and humanity was at the core. We were thrilled to learn that visitors really enjoyed the exhibit.  The opening reception at the gallery was amazing, with people lined up out the door and on the street — an artist's dream come true.  It is an honour to extend a special thank you to Dr. Ann Dale and The Bateman Foundation for supporting my work.  - Much Light, N 2017

 

 

EXHIBITION CATALOGUE: 'edging forward' project
Fernweh Press published a beautiful exhibition catalogue of the writings and paintings that were created for the Edging Forward Art Collection and the featured exhibit at the legendary Bateman Gallery of Nature in Victoria. To view, please click on the circle.

 

 

 

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY SHOWCASE GALLERY

Edging Forward: reconciliation *reconnection * regeneration
This was the "Edging Forward" public exhibit at Royal Roads University, curated by Jaime Clifton-Ross.  Royal Roads University recently launched a Library Showcase for their innovative, real-world research and I am pleased to let you know that my artwork made the trip over. Dr. Ann Dale's research on sustainability for Canada was on display and the Edging Forward art collection was curated to encourage students attending the university to deeply engage with nature, art and knowledge. Furniture was nestled in pods near each grouping of the art collection, to encourage students to relax and be with the exhibit for long periods of time. Tables were grouped for students to work in their discussions. How wonderful, to see students absorbing the writings and paintings. (RRU rests on the traditional lands of the Esquimalt and Songhees ancestors and families).

 

 

 

FRONT COVER: Focus Magazine
Nancyanne's 'Carbon Thoughts' painting was published on the front cover of Focus Magazine, September-October 2017 issue.  Teeming with energy, a maple seed has within it a maple. This issue was primarily devoted to reconnecting people to nature, addressing climate change and promoting the Edging Forward Exhibit at The Bateman Gallery of Nature. A warm thank you to Leslie Campbell and David Broadland of Focus Magazine who chose my artwork for a relevant topic of our times.  - Grateful, N 2017

 

 

   
 

PAINTING SERIES VIRTUALLY PUBLISHED, Fernweh Press
Edging Forward by Ann Dale

As part of a multi-media science and art collaboration project, a series of nine of my large-scale atmospheric paintings was academically published by Fernweh Press in the "Edging Forward" online living library, in the art gallery. The author, Dr. Ann Dale has dedicated her life to studying Canadian communities and how they can transition towards more sustainable development paths. Edging Forward chronicles the various options that Canadians have to leap forward and actively implement sustainable development practices within their community. (The print book and ebook are a Peter Sibbald Brown design.)

 

The Canada Arts Council awarded Dr. Dale with the national Arts Molson Prize for Social Sciences and she has always integrated the arts into her research.  Dr. Dale is Canada's Research Chair for sustainable communities and Nancyanne Cowell was selected as the artist to illuminate the Edging Forward multi-media project.  
 

"Sometimes we need to flow where truth and growth take us.  Life-size, the paintings possess a unique aura of calm and mystery to inspire the senses. Illuminating each chapter, they are intended to offer peace and quiet contemplation in harmony with Nature.  They are an expression of love for living things and an inspired vision of the eternal.  Working with oils mixed-media on joined diptychs, the collection took five years to make.  Wispy edges of movement and light endure as swans and dragonflies move in cyclical flight — each finding their way.  Maple keys twirl heading into rabbit holes.  Water as a symbol of renewal, cleansing and emotional energy, flows throughout the paintings.  It is the source of all life between and amongst all species.  Timeless and delightfully moody, powerful colours paired with atmospheric energy can reach deep into the hearts and minds that spend time absorbing them."  - Edging Forward Art Collection, N 2017

 

 

 

JDSTEVENSON GALLERY INAUGURAL: first sale
Life Is Calling was especially created for the "2016 Inaugural Exhibition" of the  JDStevenson Gallery, a premium boutique gallery on Vancouver Island.   At the grand opening, this painting sold within the first 20 minutes. I was so delighted. - Much Light, N 2016

 

 

 

PUBLISHED:  in Seaside Magazine

 

SEASIDE Magazine, January 2014 issue, published an article Time Suspended: Dust Motes, Dragonflies and Dandelion Clocks by Stephanie Webb, BA, BFA, MA, Contemporary Art Critic. [..."Many speak about the beauty of Cowell's paintings; however, for me, these canvases are more. Something deeper is implied. For example, in Timewriter (pictured), swirling brushstrokes of deep burgundy vibrate with energy yet are held in check by the areas of blush pink and incandescent cinnamon. These quieter spaces, or pauses, encourage contemplation. Also, the inclusion of other elements and motifs, such as dots and dragonfly, is telling. I am reminded of days gone by — when there was time to watch dust motes dance in the sunbeams, when there were opportunities to stare lazily at darting dragonflies and when I really believed you could tell the time by blowing dandelion clocks — and I mourn my loss of innocence. The dragonfly is a gentle reminder that change is inevitable. Like the circle, these ancient beings are often seen as symbols of transformation and connote the cyclical nature of life."...]  -Grateful, N 2014

 

THE GALLERY AT MATTICK'S: first floral show
This is from the first annual "Skies In Bloom" exhibit held at The Gallery, at Mattick's, a wonderful gallery in Cordova Bay, Saanich, owned by Dawn Casson. Dawn is a lovely soul. These are a few memories from my first floral show.  Amongst other interesting work from the gallery's artists, these are some of my floral paintings. Love the Japanese-inspired raku bell! -Much Light, N 2013

 

 

PUBLISHED ARTICLE: in Island Gals Magazine
Nancyanne was on the front cover of ISLAND Gals Magazine, Real Women Real Stories, in the June 2013 Issue 2, Volume 3.  This was the Publisher's Note: Vancouver Island, British Columbia ["Nancyanne Cowell, Peer-recommended as an artist of inspiration for her 'ecoscape' paintings and evocatively creative process. It has been an honour, privilege and delight to have Canadian artist, Nancyanne Cowell, as one of our feature contributors to ISLAND Gals magazine. Her authenticity and vision pours through both her written word as well as her thought-provoking and potent artistic expression on canvas.  ISLAND Gals looks forward to future collaborations with Nancyanne and remains supportive of her journey."] -Johanna Socha, ISLAND Gals Magazine.  -Grateful, N 2013

 

 

PUBLISHED ARTICLE, Seaside Magazine

SEASIDE Magaine, 2013 Women to Watch, March 2013 Issue; RECYCLED VASES...IN THE GARDEN - Nancyanne Cowell, Artist.  This was an extract, from the upcoming floral art exhibition [..."I found this most charming vase in the recycle, and took it home with me. And deep inside, where no one could see, several cracks appeared. Most delicately, I washed the curves with soap and water until they shined. Surveying the garden, my inner voice flickered and listened to the tweak of the creative moment. I knew. I stood the vessel into its place, its home — its new passage to be, residing next to the immortal Iris. I put fresh water and flowers in it every day until the cracks in the surface began to heal. Sometimes the vase felt vulnerable when seen inside, but I would place more flowers in, and fill it with my favorite song. It would be transformed again. It knows it is strong enough for anything."...] -N 2013

   

 

 

 

Y.A.M. MAGAZINE

Nancyanne's painting Unveiling Your Voice is on the wall for this featured Victoria home in Y.A.M. Magazine, July/August 2011 edition, with the Feature Article: Custom Homes. 
  

 

 

SOLO SHOW,  Sooke Harbour House Art Gallery
The award-winning Sooke Harbour House Resort is one of Canada's premier resort hotels with a large art gallery to wander through. This was a sweet mention in the Galleries West magazine for a series of florals I created for a solo show at the Sooke Harbour House Art Gallery, in the beautiful Garden Room with the river rock heritage fireplace.   An article written by Stephanie Webb, Contemporary Art Critic, was published in the SEASIDE magazine for this exhibit. The florals from this show are now sold out and I will be creating more. -Much Light, N 2013