Light Through the Forest: New Works by Graeme Shaw

Spring Feature: Graeme Shaw

This collection of new work by Graeme Shaw reflects a lifetime spent immersed in the landscapes of Western Canada. From the deep forests of Vancouver Island to the rugged Rockies and the vast northern shield surrounding Great Slave Lake, Shaw’s paintings are inspired by places that have shaped both his life and artistic vision.

Rather than documenting a specific location, Shaw seeks to capture the experience of being within the landscape itself. Many of these paintings originate from daily walks through the forest near his home in Nanaimo, where shifting light, quiet trails, and unexpected compositions reveal themselves to those who take the time to notice. A stand of backlit trees, a hidden pond along a trail, or sunlight breaking through the forest canopy can become the starting point for a painting.

Light plays a central role throughout the collection. Morning sun filtering through trees, winter light slipping between trunks, and the warm glow of a coastal sunset guide the viewer through each scene. Shaw’s work celebrates both the grandeur of Canada’s wilderness and the quieter beauty found in overlooked corners of the natural world.

Working in both oil and acrylic, Shaw balances observation with memory. Some works emerge from vivid recollections of places he has travelled—emerald glacial lakes in the Rockies, northern lakes at dusk—while others are inspired by moments discovered during everyday hikes.

Together, these paintings form a deeply personal tribute to the landscapes that continue to inspire him.

Artist Reception & Live Demo
Saturday, May 30 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Live Painting Demonstration: 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Join us for an afternoon with Graeme Shaw as he shares insights into his process and demonstrates how he builds his atmospheric landscapes. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artist, view the new collection, and experience a live painting demonstration.