Diane Dowsett was born in Sudbury, Ontario and grew up in small communities with a wealth of nature on her doorstep. She is an artist based in Brighton, Ontario who paints immersive landscape stories using rich colour, serene composition, and expressive brushwork. Having lived, worked, and traveled in many countries throughout her life, Diane is inspired by substantial variations in geography, cultures, and the creative accomplishments of others.

Diane left her corporate career in 2022 to dedicate herself to art, wellbeing and engaging with the local community. Throughout her life, creating art was a constant and provided a way to stay grounded through challenging times. Largely self-taught, Diane has benefitted from short art programs over the years, always learning from other artists’ techniques and insights. She values their generosity of knowledge, feedback, and guidance, and in turn, finds her own ways to support others as she moves forward with art.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

My work explores the power of images to relive past experiences, evoke emotions and arouse sensations. A dramatic sky or lush woodland acts as a portal to memories. Combinations of colours and shapes produce an immediate response and generate feelings of connection that can’t always be expressed in words – it just feels right.

I currently paint with acrylics on canvas or wood panels. My work evolves through experimentation with application and approaches that blend hyperrealism with abstracted elements. I strive to connect with nature through landscape painting focusing on light, movement, and mood. Skies are essential in setting the tone. Whether my work features trees, water, rocks, or wildlife, it is layered with cool and warm tones to produce depth and impact bringing nature to life.

I believe that idyllic images are snapshots in time that create a sense of balance and serenity, serving as a reminder to enjoy the beauty that nature presents.