Colleen J Dyson AFCA SCA
Colleen J Dyson, a self-taught artist with an obsession for light, hails from the Okanagan Valley of
British Columbia, Canada. Born and raised in Kelowna, Dyson navigated an upbringing filled with
familial responsibilities where the pursuit of art did not initially seem accessible. Dyson's semi-
retirement gave her the chance to start exploring art and began painting with her watercolour painter
neighbour. Despite having a limited amount of formal art instruction, she found her footing in the arts
through persistence and a curiosity which she nurtured by attending many workshops and online
courses conducted by internationally renowned artists. Dyson's passion for her work stems from her
desire to escape the perceived chaos of the world, and the intention to remind others of the inherent beauty and tranquility it offers. Her selection of subjects is often heavily influenced by her obsession with light and water: an
element she always gravitates towards.
Dyson's technique is developed through rigorous practice. The artist usually begins her process with a meticulous examination of an image, extracting a story she aspires to tell. Then, carefully, she transposes the image onto a stained canvas. Her art is unique, and her fascination for light lends a special quality to her paintings, making them easily recognizable by the careful handling of light and shadow.
Her zeal and commitment have garnered her not only a series of accomplished works but also a roster of awards and
accolades. Among her most rewarding achievements are a series of boats that have been well received.
A firm believer in community, she holds memberships in several art groups such as the Society of Canadian Artists and the Federation of Canadian Artists. She also heads up a local art group, dedicates her time to a mentorship program, and is the show chair for the local chapter of the FCA. Besides her art commitments, she is also the primary caregiver for her husband. This speaks volumes about Dyson's commitment not just to art, but also towards her personal life and community. In her eyes, art plays an immeasurable role in society—a tool for healing reflecting her experiences as a two-time cancer survivor, a solace during uncertainties, and a mirror reflecting the world's beauty amidst the chaos.
Her work can be found in private and corporate collections in Canada, the United States, Costa Rica, and the United Kingdom, and in various publications.
British Columbia, Canada. Born and raised in Kelowna, Dyson navigated an upbringing filled with
familial responsibilities where the pursuit of art did not initially seem accessible. Dyson's semi-
retirement gave her the chance to start exploring art and began painting with her watercolour painter
neighbour. Despite having a limited amount of formal art instruction, she found her footing in the arts
through persistence and a curiosity which she nurtured by attending many workshops and online
courses conducted by internationally renowned artists. Dyson's passion for her work stems from her
desire to escape the perceived chaos of the world, and the intention to remind others of the inherent beauty and tranquility it offers. Her selection of subjects is often heavily influenced by her obsession with light and water: an
element she always gravitates towards.
Dyson's technique is developed through rigorous practice. The artist usually begins her process with a meticulous examination of an image, extracting a story she aspires to tell. Then, carefully, she transposes the image onto a stained canvas. Her art is unique, and her fascination for light lends a special quality to her paintings, making them easily recognizable by the careful handling of light and shadow.
Her zeal and commitment have garnered her not only a series of accomplished works but also a roster of awards and
accolades. Among her most rewarding achievements are a series of boats that have been well received.
A firm believer in community, she holds memberships in several art groups such as the Society of Canadian Artists and the Federation of Canadian Artists. She also heads up a local art group, dedicates her time to a mentorship program, and is the show chair for the local chapter of the FCA. Besides her art commitments, she is also the primary caregiver for her husband. This speaks volumes about Dyson's commitment not just to art, but also towards her personal life and community. In her eyes, art plays an immeasurable role in society—a tool for healing reflecting her experiences as a two-time cancer survivor, a solace during uncertainties, and a mirror reflecting the world's beauty amidst the chaos.
Her work can be found in private and corporate collections in Canada, the United States, Costa Rica, and the United Kingdom, and in various publications.
Artists Statement
My work is a reflection of my obsession with light and color. I am captivated by the way light plays with form, creates patterns, and sets the mood of a scene. The contrast between dark tones and light ones, the way light diffuses and reveals the subtleties of color, and the dynamic interplay between harmonious and contrasting hues all inspire me.
I find potential in anything that excites me, always keeping an eye out for the play of light and shadow in a scene, whether it's bouncing off a flower petal or shimmering on water. It's the mystery of what lies beyond that bend in the road that fuels my imagination and drives my creativity.
In my work, I use a stained canvas and filbert brushes with generous amounts of paint. I've discovered that there's no such thing as too much paint on a brush, and that realization has allowed me to create bold, expressive pieces. I start by editing a photo down to its basic values and then push the boundaries of light to exaggerate the drama of the scene.
Through my unique technique and focus on capturing the essence of light and color, I strive to create art that not only captivates the eye but also speaks to the soul. Each piece is a window into a world of shimmering lights, fascinating shadows, and the eternal question of what lies beyond the next turn.
Contact the artist:
Email: [email protected]
Alt email: [email protected]
@cjdyson2019
