Irene McKinnon

From the Pasture

All of my paintings depict scenes from outside in the natural world with a focus on the prairies. I want to elicit feelings of peace to embrace and honor the beauty of what is around us. I am drawn to those fleeting moments that make me stop and look. I see some aspect of light that transfixes me and I want to hold onto that scene. I literally want to capture the light. 

The theme tied to my own world view involves the interconnectedness we have with the natural world. I am grateful to be able to experience the landscape with all of its life forms. Because my home is bounded by range land, I was inspired to paint the plants, cattle, horses, and humans I see around me, as part of the greater ecosystem. I hope viewers are able to feel the calm and beauty of nature, appreciate and enjoy the experience, and perhaps sense being present in that temporary moment of what I have tried to depict. 

~Mentor: Robin Adair, CAAP Instructor

Irene McKinnon has been painting since the 1960's. She was born in Vancouver and has lived in BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. She has always been fascinated by all of life around her both near and far. She has been studying art in books and classes for as long as she can recall. She works in watercolor, ink, oil, and acrylic. 

Irene has degrees in zoology and education, and taught Maths and Sciences for 25 years. She also did contract work in Scientific and Medical Illustration at the Universities of Calgary, Saskatchewan, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum. 

Living on an acreage near Saskatoon, Irene's artistic style continues to evolve. The emotions conveyed by her works have been inspired by both her relationship with the land and time spent with other artists. According to Irene, there is a great positive energy to be gained by working in the presence of others, and she feels that it is this collegial interaction that has truly helped her work mature.