Brian retired from the University of Guelph (veterinary medicine) in 2001 and relocated to Comox B.C., on Vancouver Island. He began his study with acclaimed artists in Canada and the US including full-time study at the Jeffrey Watts Atelier in California, drawing and painting from life. He continues to study with exceptional artists.
Brian paints full-time in oils and acrylics. His interest is the Canadian landscape, including painting on location (plein air). He has won numerous competitions and awards for both his studio and plein air paintings.
Brian’s paintings have been featured in Arabella Magazine, South West Art Magazine, and Plein Air Magazine’s Plein Air Today. He is also featured in the North Light Books: The Best of Acrylic Painters, 2014, 2015, and 2016. He is honored to be invited to faculty in the 2022 Plein Air Convention in Denver and one of 40 artists to be invited to participate in the prestigious Door County Plein Air Festival in Wisconsin.
He is represented by galleries in BC, Alberta, and Ontario. He is an elected member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, The Society of Canadian Artists, and the Ontario Society of Artists.
Brian conducts workshops in studio and plein air painting both on-site and in online classes.
Brian and his wife Cathy share their time between Courtenay BC.(winter ) and Collingwood Ontario (summer).
Brian’s EXPERTISE
Listed below are this Mentor’s specialty skills. Join this group if you want to grow in these areas.
Specialty: ✔ Technique
Technical:
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Colour and Composition
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Studio Setup for Art Production
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Technique demos
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Providing Art Critiques
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Supplies and Tools – what to use, where to save, and where to spend
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Teaching How to Self Critique
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working with software for editing reference material, for planning and for critiquing
Brian puts so much effort into critiques and his teachings. He provides extra content in our feed on Mastrius as well. Brian is amazing and I feel so lucky to be able to work with him – he really cares and he wants to set us up for success.
I enjoy how Brian can talk his way through how and why he is doing what he does.
Brian is an excellent instructor – clear and focused. Great feedback.
Brian rocks! What a great instructor! I am grateful for all effort Brian puts in to his teaching.
Brian is always so organized and engaged, his critiques are delivered in such a honest and helpful manner.
Brian is really motivational. He also goes beyond what is asked and makes sure everyone gets the feedback durning the month as well.
“Mastrius has done wonders for my confidence. I have managed to step way outside of my comfort zone which has in turn given rise to so many more opportunities to further my art career.”
Deb Nicolaisen, Emerging Artist
I’m really challenged but Brian has made it approachable and I can’t wait to get started!
Brian is very personable, professional and very generous with his information.
JOIN NOW
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Emerging
Mentorship Membership
$ USD87/Monthly Membership
Next session: May 01, 2024
On the 1st Wednesday of every month 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM MDT Wed
GROUP IS FULL Join the waitlist to receive an email when a spot becomes available.
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MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST
I retired as Professor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Guelph, in 2001 and relocated from Ontario, with my wife Cathy, to Comox B.C., on Vancouver Island.
I began painting seriously in 2004 studying with acclaimed artists in Canada and the US. In 2007, I invested in full-time study at the Jeffrey Watts Atelier in Encinitas California, drawing and painting from life. I continue to study with exceptional artists today. I am very fortunate and appreciative to have found this adventure in my senior years.
I paint full time. My paintings are reflective of my love of the outdoors, agriculture and rural communities. The more I paint the more my work moves towards abstracted impressions of my subjects. My collectors tell me that they share the joy I experience in interpreting the Canadian Landscape.
I have been fortunate to have won numerous competitions and awards for both my studio and plein air paintings in BC. In 2016 in Ontario I was an invited participant in the 50th Anniversary Plein Air Competition at the McMichael Gallery in Kleinburg ( home of the Group of Seven and Tom Thompson) , where my painting won a first place. In 2020 I was honored to have been chosen a faculty participant in the Plein Air Convention in Santa Fe NM and the only Canadian chosen to participate in the Door County Plein Air competition in Wisconsin. Although cancelled for 2020 they are rescheduled for 2021.
My work has been sited in Arabella Magazine, in South West Art and in the North Light Books: The Best of Acrylics 2014 , 2015 , 2016 and Plein Air Magazines- Plein Air Today.
