Carlisle artist wants to paint Canada
She’ll paint a scene from each province and territory
On New Year’s Day 2015, Niki Kingsmill made a resolution.
The 26-year-old fine arts and art history graduate from Burlington was working in the office of a local financial planner because she couldn’t find a job in her field.
So, she resolved that year to make a real push to launch her art and illustration career.
The resolution was the start of a year-long project she called An Art Work a Day.
No matter how tired, busy, or sick she was, Kingsmill never missed a day, and as a result of her discipline, she amassed a portfolio of 365 watercolour paintings.
Her subjects ranged from landscapes to sea shells to gin bottles. The diverse collection turned into a show that was featured at The Spice Factory in Hamilton in 2016.
“I absolutely loved how disciplined (the project) was and how I built up my portfolio, and I personally feel like I improved a lot as an artist,” Kingsmill said.
After Christmas 2016, Kingsmill gave up her part-time work and set out in January to work as a full-time artist and illustrator. She launched another project to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday.
For Paint My Canada, Kingsmill is asking Canadians to submit photos of their true Canadian experiences — ones that show the beauty of the country. There’s only one restriction: no skylines.
She will choose one image from each province and territory to paint. The winning submissions will receive a watercolour print of their photo, and everyone who enters will be put into a draw for a copy of Kingsmill’s painting of the map of Canada. The finished project will be on display during an open house at her Carlisle studio in August.
“I personally haven’t had the privilege to travel even half of this country, so I need people’s help, especially with the Nunavut and Northwest Territories out there.”
To submit an image via Instagram, go to #paintmycanada or by email to nikikingsmill@gmail.com by May 31.