As an Artist Painting Canada, Road Trips Have Become Integral to My Process

I wear many hats: professional artist, painter, photographer, and video creator. But above all, I am an artist on the road. My process—both for creating and promoting my art—relies on time spent outside the studio, exploring Canada from coast to coast to coast. These experiences inform and inspire the art I bring to life on canvas. I am an artist painting Canada.

When I transitioned from part-time to full-time artistry nearly 20 years ago, I never imagined how vital the road would become to my creative journey. Over time, my process evolved: three weeks in the studio followed by one week out with my camera, soaking up the world beyond my imagination. More recently, artist residencies have shifted this rhythm to three months in the studio and one month on the road or immersed in a place I’ve never explored before.

While my obsession with Canada remains at the heart of my work, these adventures have also taken me beyond its borders—to London, England; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Moab, Utah; and Maui, Hawaii. On every trip, I capture the essence of these places through photography and video, returning home with vivid records of the landscapes and moments that inspire my art.

One journey I often revisit is the drive from Victoria, BC, through the Rocky Mountains to Banff, Calgary, and Edmonton. It’s a remarkable trek, offering views of towering rock formations that shift with the seasons. Snow, light, and shadow continuously transform the mountains into something new, each day bringing fresh forms and moods to behold.

Driving into Banff in winter feels like entering the perfect wonderland. The town’s proximity to the mountains, its cozy size, and old-world charm make it feel like a scene from a Christmas movie. Bundled-up visitors, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the crisp alpine air create an atmosphere of joy.

For me, the mountains are a source of awe and renewal. Their grandeur dwarfs me in the best way, lifting the weight of everyday responsibilities. Standing among them, I feel connected to something far greater than myself. Reaching a mountaintop—surrounded by pristine snow and the purest air—is exhilarating. The light shifts constantly, casting soft pastels and long shadows that bring the landscape to life. It’s a magical, ever-changing world, and it’s no wonder artists like Lawren Harris found themselves drawn to paint these majestic scenes.

The Rockies inspire endless stories waiting to be told on canvas. Each visit reminds me why I’m so passionate about capturing Canada’s landscapes in my art.

I invite you to watch this short video of my recent road trip from Victoria to Calgary and back. You’ll glimpse the beauty of these mountains and the diverse landscapes in between. Perhaps you, too, will feel the magic of Western Canada calling.

See more paintings by Brandy Saturley here.