“I love trees, in all their diversity of shapes, moods, and personalities. My intention is to capture my impressions of Natural places and create paintings that are energetic, emotional and colourful. Witnessing and reflecting on the extraordinary beauty of the land, I am drawing from memories and moments I’ve felt awe and connection to the Earth.
The experience of painting and drawing is a joy, and that time spent outdoors, immersed in Nature, informs my work. I delight in the light filtering through stirring leaves, the quiet stillness of ancient forests and tangled roots weaving together under my feet."
Helen Utsal is an award-winning contemporary landscape painter living and working on Vancouver Island. Spending time in Nature is a critical aspect of her inspiration and art practice. It is a space for meditation, curiosity, creation and renewal.
Helen Utsal; Spring Morning
Helen studied Fine Art at Concordia University, in Montreal and worked for 3 years as studio assistant to Tom Hopkins, and photographers Donigan Cumming and Micheal Flomen. Later, in Toronto, Helen worked for a decade as a scenic painter on feature films, television, commercials and music videos.
Helen Utsal; Blue Morning
After re-locating to British Columbia in 2001, and becoming a mother, Helen eventually settled in the Comox Valley. Her first solo exhibition, West Coast Trees, in Whistler, gained her gallery representation and the encouragement to become a full time artist.
Helen Utsal; Sunny Canopy
Co founding Art Alchemy Studio in 2011 brought Helen in contact with a broader community of artists and opportunities. Utsal opened her own studio/gallery in 2020 and welcomes the public regularly on Saturdays,