Zahra Kheirieh is an Edmonton-based visual artist who works primarily with oil paint and acrylics on canvas. Her artistic practice is shaped by a longstanding interest in color, art history, and the expressive possibilities of painting. Largely self-taught, she developed her knowledge of art through independent study and a lifelong curiosity about different artistic movements and styles.

Her work draws inspiration from Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Modernism, particularly the paintings of Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, and Vincent van Gogh. Through expressive brushwork, color, and the exploration of light and atmosphere, Zahra interprets the world around her from a personal perspective. Her paintings reflect an interest in the emotional qualities of everyday subjects and the ways color and texture can transform familiar scenes into expressive visual experiences.

Zahra continues to develop her artistic practice and participate in the local art community, sharing her original paintings through exhibitions and art events.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

My artistic journey began in my teenage years with drawing and sketching, which gradually developed into a passion for painting. Alongside my practice, I cultivated a deep interest in color theory, art movements, and different painting styles. Growing up before the internet era and with limited access to formal art courses, I became a dedicated library patron, learning about art through books and independent study.

After coming to Canada, my painting practice took a pause as I focused on settling into a new life in Edmonton. Over time, I reconnected with art, taught painting classes to children, and began exploring the local art community. However, financial and practical challenges limited the time I could devote to my own work.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned to painting with renewed commitment, discovering in the process a meaningful source of well-being and personal expression. Although my early work focused on Realism, my artistic direction gradually evolved under the influence of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Modernism. Inspired by artists such as Claude Monet and Alfred Sisley, I now explore color, light, and expressive brushwork to communicate my personal perception of the world around me.