Canadian artist Denise Antaya’s light-filled landscape paintings are reminiscent of simpler times. View more of her portfolio by visiting her website.
“Evening Portal” oil on panel, 20” x 20”
I was born in a small town outside of Windsor, Ontario. I grew up in the country and our home was across the street from a small river. We had an idyllic childhood catching tadpoles, playing in the fields of grass, skating on the river in winter and fishing in the summer.
“Morning Walk” oil on linen, 10” x 8”
Across the lane lived a farmer with cows. Bicycles were our mode of transportation. With the fast paced world we live in, I long for the simplicity of my childhood, the vacant fields of grass and wildflowers, the freedom of enjoying nature. I am rebelling against the way the world has changed.
“From the Tower” oil on panel, 18” x 24”
I paint in oils and my style is realism. My goal is to transport the viewer back in time to a simpler way of life.
“Watching Over Us” oil on panel, 18” x 24”
I want to take them back to the days when the grass was greener, the water was cleaner and the sun was brighter.
“Days End” oil on linen, 10” x 8”
Slowly but surely, the population explosion and the need for newer, bigger and better is robbing the planet of our natural spaces. I am trying to document these places on canvas, reminding everyone how things used to be.
“Passing Storm” oil on linen, 10” x 8”
I am drawn mostly to water and natural habitats untouched by man. I love the algae covered ponds, lily pads, wild grasses, crooked trees and weed covered fields.
“Puddles” oil on panel, 21.25” x 12”
I love the mist above an overgrown meadow in the fall when the cool air meets the warm earth.
“Second Generation” oil on panel, 36” x 18”
I hope to make the audience see the way the light can transform an everyday scene we often overlook. I want to make the viewer feel the warm sun on the rocks at the end of the day, see the rainbow in a light rain, catch the last glow in the clouds of a sunset and feel the cold wind and snow on a winter day.
“The Hideaway” oil on panel, 24” x 24”
If I can transport the viewer to a simpler time, to a place they dream of being, I have done my job. If I can give my paintings a “sense of place,” then I have succeeded. Nature is the finest teacher and grounds us when we need it the most.
“The Yellow House” oil on panel, 11” x 14”
If you can’t take the time to enjoy your surroundings first hand, I hope my paintings can take you there. More importantly, I hope they make you remember when…
Artist Denise Antaya invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
These are so lovely. My favorite is From the Tower.
I love your play with the sunlight and reflections in the water. It does make the simplest things in life enjoyable, which we take for granite most of the time. A time needed to seek joy.
Very wonderful light in each piece!