Sheila Tansey

I grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan and from a very early age always had crayons or pencils in my hands. I was lucky enough to have an artistic mother who introduced me to oil pastels and oil paints when I was ten. My mother painted for many years and our home was always filled with original art. When I left home, I studied computer science and geography and continued to draw and paint when I had time. I had a rewarding computer graphics career for twelve years.

I am primarily a self-taught artist, although I have studied one year of art history and painting, drawing and design at Kwantlen University College, in Surrey, BC. I have illustrated a book, designed logos, made greeting cards, created art quilts and created commissioned portraits of pets and children, and I have also participated in art exhibitions in the Okanagan since 2010.  Currently, I enjoy working in acrylics and I can be found outside and inside, with a sketchbook and camera, searching for sources of inspiration.  My intention with my work is to create a story using colour and expressive painting strokes and to make a connection with the viewer, perhaps a connection to something deep within them.