Artist Biography
Canadian artist Sheila Ballantyne was born in 1959 and began her life-long journey in art growing up in Brockville Ontario. For the most part a self-taught artist, she spent her early teen years studying classical drawing technique under artist Mario Airomi, with whom her desire to become a professional artist was inspired and encouraged. As a young girl she was most content in spending time in nature and this still holds true today, often painting or sketching on location. Over the years Sheila’s artwork received numerous awards and gained international recognition. Her paintings can be found in many collections around the world and were featured by conservation organizations including Ducks Unlimited Canada and Artists for Conservation. She was also a perennial exhibitor in the prestigious Buckhorn Wildlife Art Festival. In 2003 Sheila was the featured artist for the WPBS TV Art Auction which aired a documentary about her career as an artist. More recent accomplishments include Finalist in the 13th, 15th and 16th International ARC Salon Competition and International Artist Magazine.Her paintings capture the strength and beauty found in nature through dramatic composition, with a soft life-like quality that draws the viewer in. Her skill and versatility as an artist are demonstrated in the many subjects she portrays, often conveying a message of hope. Sheila also enjoys working in mixed media and sculpture but her true love is for painting.
“Our natural world emanates such beauty, diversity and mystery that it is an endless well of inspiration to me. Producing art is a celebration of creativity, a characteristic we share with our Creator for we were made in His image.”
