Brett Heidi of Olds, Alberta, Canada is a contemporary painter of North American wildlife & western themes.
Coming from a family immersed in art, she had early exposure to painting, sketching and the study of colour and light. As a youth she participated in local and international art contests, eventually taking on custom people and pet portraits as well as book illustrations.
Early adulthood found her employed in office admin and production scheduling, however she usually had art requests happening on the side. In time Brett switched to working remotely and part-time, doing various small businesses which helped her be free to live abroad and develop her creative business, which is now her primary occupation!
Growing up in a quaint farming community, Brett developed respect for animals, appreciation for a simple life, and an awe for nature's unchanging beauty. She and her husband continue to soak in the vistas that Alberta is abundant in. The incredible view of the Rocky Mountains that are preceded by farm fields and rolling foothills, the charm of their neighboring city Calgary with the unique skyline back dropped by the Rockies and hosts the winding Bow River and just an hour west is a mountainous oasis, Banff National Park where she finds inspiration for her forest animal pieces and mountain scenes. Having had the opportunity to live in Mexico for 6 years and absorb some it's culture and colour has also added to her perspectives.
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Since 2014 Brett Heidi has developed an individual style that has been by identified by large impressionistic brushstrokes and the use of vivid luminous colour.
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"My current technique evolved when I attempted my first large scale acrylic painting. Something I had loved about watercolor was the freedom of pure juicy color spreading across a simple white textured paper, planned but uninhibited. There is a sense of simplicity yet a vivid brilliance to it. The techniques I learned in oil also influence how I paint in acrylic. I am fascinated by how the perception of color is affected or even created by light, therefore driving my choice of pigment."
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Brett Heidi approaches a painting with more in mind than just "to paint a subject", but to discover the story in a subject or the feeling of an occasion and convey it visually. She often stumbles upon inspiration by chance, in her daily life she is overwhelmed by the beauty of nature, the intrigue of connections between animals, as well as relationships between people and what makes it all fall into harmony.
"From the beginning stages of planning and composition to the very last touch of paint, I have a story in my mind for each piece. This will dictate how much I might focus on such things as an animal's eyes or some other feature, amount of detail, movement, mood, or colour intensity. Although I have my own story behind each piece, I hope that each viewer may be evoked to make their own story or recall a treasured memory. It's so rewarding when total strangers become friends, due to shared passion and interests, all from experiencing a piece of art together!"
Brett has participated in exhibitions throughout Alberta since 2016, some of which include the Leighton Art Centre, Spruce Meadows Masters, International Farm Fair & CFR, as well as local art shows near her home town. It was in 2019 that she was invited to show in the Artist Studios of the Calgary Stampede Western Showcase and since then has treasured this unique opportunity.
Brett continues to paint and sell out of her home studio while being inspired by local farm animals, her dog, nature, music, and the "everyday". She invites viewers to visit by appointment as well as to her yearly events!
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​​"Art is like music, but to the eye, life’s beautiful things put onto canvas tell a story and evoke emotion"
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Private & Corporate Collections of Original Works:
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Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario
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United States: Idaho, North Carolina, Texas
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British Overseas Territory: Turks and Caicos
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Collections of Reproductions:
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Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Yukon
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United States: Alaska, North Carolina, Minnesota, Oregon, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois Oklahoma, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, Maryland, Florida, Washington, Montana, Virginia, Louisiana, Utah, Idaho, New Jersey, Arkansas, Tennessee, Nevada, Ohio, West Virginia, Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin
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Other Countries: Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Australia, France, United Kingdom, Mexico
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Magazine Features:
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Canadian Country Cowboy Magazine - August/September 2023
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Prairie Magazine (Red Deer Advocate) - July 2022
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Canadian Home Trends - Fall Issue 2021
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