Off With a Bang: The First Paintings of 2025

This year launched with a bang as new paintings flowed from brush to canvas and wood panel, fueled by recent travels to Boston, Massachusetts. With these first works of 2025, I found myself reflecting on the current political climate, continuing my beloved Polar Bear King series, and revisiting the rugged beauty of Waterton Lakes, Alberta. Here are the first paintings of 2025 that capture the pulse of the times.

Lovers in a Dangerous Time (2025), Acrylic on wood panel, 18 x 24 x 1.5 in, Brandy Saturley

Politics on Canvas: Flags and Trade Wars

Feeling the ripple effects of shifting Canada-US relations and the looming trade tariffs, I was drawn to the powerful symbolism of flags. Patriotism is running high, and with tensions in the air, I leaned into my Canadian voice. Two new paintings feature bold interpretations of the Canadian and American flags, exploring the complex connection between neighboring nations. These works stand as visual commentaries on the push and pull of economic alliances and cultural identity.

Pride Between The Lions, Acrylic On Canvas, 18 x 24 x 1.5 in, Brandy Saturley

The Polar Bear King: New Adventures

The Polar Bear King continues his reign, now 27 paintings strong. Fresh from an art trip to Boston, I found myself inspired by one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks—the first-ever Dunkin’ Donuts location. In this playful piece, a polar bear lounges next to a towering stack of donuts, a whimsical nod to indulgence and Americana.

Drunk on Dunkin’, Acrylic on wood panel,18 x 24 x 2 in, Brandy Saturley

In contrast, another painting tunnels deep into the Arctic snow, where twin polar bear cubs are nestled in the warmth of their den, surrounded by a vibrant red Hudson’s Bay Blanket. The scene evokes both tenderness and resilience, highlighting the vulnerability of these majestic animals amid changing climates.

Heartbeats Hum, Oil and Acrylic on Wood Panel, 36 x 36 x 1 in, Brandy Saturley

Rounding out this series, I turned to the nostalgic test card colors once seen at the end of television broadcasts. This familiar grid of hues becomes a metaphor for the polar bear’s fight against disappearing landscapes—a fading signal in a world of environmental flux.

Please Stand By, 2025, Acrylic On Canvas, 30 x 40 x 1.5 in, Brandy Saturley

Waterton Landscapes: Vivid and Bold

In 2020, during the pandemic, I traveled through Waterton Lakes, Alberta, where the soaring peaks and serene waters left an indelible mark. Now, with four new landscape paintings, I’m bringing those memories to life with bold, pop-art-inspired palettes and crisp, hard-edged forms. The collection captures the park’s striking scenery in a style that blends realism with vibrant modernism.

Four landscape paintings inspired by Waterton Lakes, Alberta

Adding to this series is a still life of Alberta wild roses—an ode to the resilient beauty of the province. These paintings are now available through Gust Gallery in Waterton Lakes, marking a new partnership with this fantastic Canadian art dealer.

Wild Rose Country, Acrylic On Canvas, 24 x 12 x 1.5 in , Brandy Saturley

First Paintings of 2025: Explore and Collect These New Works

These 10 new paintings reflect the pulse of 2025—a fusion of political commentary, cultural icons, and Canadian landscapes. Each piece tells a unique story, inviting viewers to see the world through my lens.