Gordon Harrison, sca aibaq

award winning canadian landscape artist

 

 

Every life is a landscape. Every brushstroke, a memory.

Award-winning Canadian landscape artist Gordon Harrison brings a distinctive contemporary vision to the tradition of Canadian landscape painting. Through vibrant colour, expressive brushwork and an extraordinary sensitivity to light and atmosphere, he transforms the natural beauty of Canada into paintings that are powerful, evocative and deeply personal.

 

“I refer to my art as contemporary landscapes: my brush strokes are broad, loose and intense, yet my subject matter remains clear.”

 

Born in Montréal in 1953, Harrison discovered his passion for art and nature among the Laurentian landscapes of his childhood. After studying Landscape Architecture at the University of Toronto, he devoted himself to painting, developing a distinctive artistic language that balances bold, energetic gestures with moments of softness and serenity. His unmistakable style brings a contemporary sensibility to the enduring tradition of landscape painting.

 

Travelling across Canada in search of inspiration, Harrison captures the spirit of its extraordinary landscapes — from tranquil lakes and forested wilderness to rugged shorelines and dramatic skies. Working at the intersection of representation and abstraction, he paints not simply what a place looks like, but how it feels. Through his expressive use of colour, movement and light, familiar landscapes are transformed into deeply felt experiences, inviting viewers to see the natural world with renewed wonder.

 

While his work acknowledges the legacy of Canada’s celebrated Group of Seven, Harrison has developed a visual language unmistakably his own: contemporary, expressive and rooted in a lifelong connection to the Canadian landscape. Each painting is more than a depiction of place; it is an invitation to experience the beauty, emotion and enduring spirit of Canada.

 

Artistic Achievements and Recognition

Harrison is a juried member of the Society of Canadian Artists and l’Académie Internationale des Beaux-Arts du Québec. His artistic achievements include Best Solo Artist recognition at the New York International Art Expo, first prize at Québec’s Rêves d’automne national painting competition, and first prize at the Domaine Saint-Bernard symposium. In 2010, he was invited to share his artistic journey at the National Gallery of Canada.

 

He is also the author of his third book, I Just Want to Paint, a celebration of his artistic journey and the inspiration that continues to shape his work.

 

His paintings are held in private collections throughout Canada and internationally, reflecting a broad appreciation for his contemporary interpretation of the Canadian landscape.

 

A Life Devoted to Art

Beyond the canvas, Harrison is passionate about inspiring future generations of artists and collectors through art education, mentorship and community initiatives.

 

Together with his partner and gallerist, Phil Émond, he welcomes collectors to the Gordon Harrison Canadian Landscape Gallery in Ottawa, where his evolving collections celebrate the beauty and diversity of Canada. His artistic practice also extends to his studio and bed and breakfast in Québec’s Laurentians, a region that continues to inspire his work.

 

His paintings are available through his Ottawa gallery, his Laurentians studio and select fine art galleries in Tremblant, Toronto, Collingwood, London, Charlottetown and Winnipeg.

 

A Lasting Connection to Canada

 

For collectors, a Gordon Harrison painting offers more than a beautiful landscape. Each original work is an individual expression of place, memory, colour and emotion — a contemporary interpretation of Canada’s natural heritage.

 

Alive with energy, atmosphere and expressive movement, his paintings bring the spirit of the Canadian landscape into a home or collection, creating a lasting connection to the places that inspire us and the memories they hold.

 

canadian landscape oil paintings available by award winning canadian landscape artist gordon harrison

if interested in one of the paintings from a collection below and the painting is not the size or format you need, gordon harrison will be happy to do a commission piece for you. it takes two weeks to have your painting painted and another 4 weeks to dry. commission work is priced the same.

commission work

Award winning Canadian Landscape Artist Gordon Harrison welcomes commission work.

Many clients commission the artist to paint their favourite landscape scenes.

The artist will put on canvas the special place you once visited, the old bridge in Wakefield your father was so fond of, the island across the family cottage, or the tree in Rockcliffe Park underneath and played as a child and capture those memories forever.

The sold paintings tab on the website depicts scenes from all regions of Canada painted by Gordon Harrison. The artist also has photos from his travels across Canada from which one can select to paint on canvas that special memory.

A 50% deposit is required on commission work. The artist will often paint two canvases of the same scene from a different perspective to allow the client to select the one they prefer. The second painting is offered for sale to our clients.

To arrange for a private consultation with the artist at this studio or gallery, please contact the Gordon Harrison Gallery.

 

collectors

Gordon Harrison’s paintings hang in private collections in the United States, Germany, Portugal, England, Scotland, the Netherlands, Kenya, Lebanon, Tanzania, the Caribbean, Singapore, Chile, Australia and across Canada.

His works have been purchased by the Canadian Government, embassies, art galleries, municipal governments, Scotia McLeod Inc., Gowlings, Domicile Developments Inc., Charlesfort Development, Sakto Corporation, East Lane Developments, Routeburn Group, Taylor and Craig Associates, London Club, National Capital Business Rideau Club, Memorial University, Sklar Wilton and Associates, Barry J. Hobin and Associates Architects, Fenêtres MQ, Nelligan, O’Brien and Payne, Donnelly Pontiac Buick, Candrive, 4té Interior Design, Kmob Martems, Hulse Playfair and McGarry, Stewart Associates, Basset Direct, ZW Group, BBB Architects, S2 Architecture, Coutu Champagne Avocats, Reynolds Consulting, Telesat, Export Development Canada and private collectors.

 

exhibitions

Gordon’s work has been exhibited in solo exhibitions in art galleries across Canada including the Michael Gibson Gallery, the Petroff Gallery, the National Capital Rideau Club, the Muskoka Heritage and Boat Centre, the Arcadia Gallery, IPO Gallery, the Lane Galleries, the Christin Galleries, the Jack Pine Gallery, the Koyman Galleries, the Marbo Gallery of Fine Arts, Gallery Perth, Art in the village, the Tangerine Gecko Gallery,  West End Gallery as well at his studios in New Edinburgh in Ottawa and the Laurentians and at the Gordon Harrison Gallery on Sussex Drive, in Ottawa and Saint-Sauveur in the Laurentians.

Gordon’s work has also been part of our Canadian culture, via venues such as the McMichael Canadian Art Gallery, the International Artexpo New York, the Toronto Art Expo, Festival International Expo Art, Vieux Port de Montréal, the National Capital Fine Arts Festival, Doors Open Ontario, the National Arts Centre, the City of Ottawa Mayor’s Art Festival, Merrickville Landscape and Wildlife Show, Ottawa Art Association Fall Show, Canadian Tulip Festival, Art on Ice, Winterlude, Colour the Canal Art Tour, Canadian House and Home Magazine, Elmwood Art and Home Fair.  His work has also been displayed in establishments such as Juniper’s, Le-Saint-Ô, La Chaumière du Village, Les Fougères and A L’Express Gourmand.

For current exhibits, please visit this page.

 

art inspiration journey

The Gordon Harrison Art Inspiration Project was created by Gordon Harrison and his partner, Gallerist Phil Emond, in 2009.

Inspiring young people to pursue their artistic talent and to discover the beauty of our Canadian landscapes is part of the artist’s legacy.

Through this inspirational journey, students from visual art programs experience “life as an artist” working with Gordon Harrison and create an exhibition of Canadian landscapes. In 2009-10, the gallery hosted an exhibition of “The Colours of Canada — Coast to Coast” that showcased Canadian landscapes painted by the 41 grade 8 students from Turnbull School who participated in this journey.   Inspiring Young Artists article

In 2010-11, the gallery is proud to have inspired 36 students from grade 3, 4 and 5 from Counterpoint Academy.   The students’ work was part of an art auction to raise funds for the Jump Rope for Heart and Stroke Foundation.  

In 2011-12, 20 grade 6 students from Ashbury College experienced life as an artist.  Funds were raised to contribute to the new Creative Learning Center.  View photo album from events photo gallery.

In 2012-13, grade 3 and 4 students from D Roy Kennedy Public School created “The Beauty of Canada”.  Proceeds were donated to Camp Maple Leaf.  Special thanks to Mary-Ann Quist, teacher.  

In 2014-15, 21 students ages 9 to 12 from OMS montessori created “the creative canadian souls”.   special thanks to beth mackay, teacher.

In 2016, 45 grade 5 students from St Mildred’s School in oakville will be part of  the journey.

and to all the students we continue to inspire – special thanks for being part of our journey.

Please contact the Gordon Harrison canadian landscape Gallery to add this program as part of your school art curriculum.

 

apprentices program

Over the years, Gordon has coached 100’s of young people, adults and artists in our community.

In 2012, Gordon Harrison and his partner Gallerist Phil Emond created an annual exhibit of Canadian landscapes by the Apprentices – people from their community who take coaching lessons from the artist at his studio in Ottawa or the Laurentians and for those who participated at the artist’s art retreat in the Laurentians.

In 2013, the experience was repeated – the exhibit, 26 brushes, 52 hands and 16 brushes, 32 hands and once voice … Gordon Harrison –  showcased the talent of the apprentices, allowing them to experience life as an artist and to exhibit and sell their Canadian landscapes in a gallery.

In 2015, the experience was repeated and a great success.

Gordon Harrison continues to inspire and support people in the community.

2015 apprentices

Barbara Soyka , Beth Prociw, Claire Paulin, Deborah Whamond, Irene Faiz, Jacqueline Gori, B, Jane Magee, Jenny Pearson-Millar, Joanne Brox Pfeifer, Jocelyn Van Wynsberghe, John Theoret, Josée Robillard, Judy Plomer, Kathryn Haydar, Linda Dabros, Lynda Shaw, Maria Cibschino, Marie-France L’Écuyer, Marleen Campbell, Marie-Lyne Bourassa, Nancy Yanaky, Sharon Holden, Sue Smith and Teresa McLean.

2013 apprentices

John Theoret, Joyce Clark, Julie Burke, Louise Moreau, Lynda Shaw, Maria Cibischino, Marie-France L’Ecuyer Nancy Yanaky, Sylvie Grenier, Catherine Zongora, Debra Corkery, Gilles Chiasson, Gisele Eady, Heidi Bish, Irene Faiz, Jarmila Kavena and Jocelyn van Wynsberghe.

2012 apprentices

Beth Mackay  Carole Pinard  Cheryl Casey  Cindy Babyn  Darlene Provost  David Casey  Denise Pregent  Denise Pelletier  Elisabeth Arbuckle  Glen McKenzie  Hélène Merritt  Ingrid McCarthy  Jenny Pearson-Millar  John Theoret  Kathryn Haydar  Linda Bergeron Baril  Louise Moreau  Lynda Shaw  Maria Cibischino  Marie-France Lécuyer  Mary-Ann Quist  Nancy Dagenais-Elliott  Patricia Kirby  Shelley Lacroix  Sylvie Grenier  Vera Maamari

what people are saying

” Ted and I had a marvellous time at Pine Point Lake House. Everything was really extraordinary! The setting, the architecture, the artistry of the landscape and the …

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sold paintings by regions of Canada

Click here to see all the paintings sold by regions of Canada.

 

videos

gordon harrison and 45 grade 5 students from st. mildred’s-lightbourn school – march 2016 

 


 

nouvelle galerie d’art gordon harrison à saint-sauveur – cogeco tv – octobre 2015

 


 

ctv news with leanne cusack – interview with canadian landscape artist gordon harrison and galleries phil émond – 2010

 


 

ctv news with leanne cusack – the apprentices of gordon harrison- 2015

 


 

rogers tv – a journey with gallerist phil emond at the gordon harrison canadian landscape gallery – 2011

 


 

classicial 96.3 fm – gallerist sarah petroff gallery presents gordon harrison – 2012

 


 

ottawa-citizen – interview by art critic peter simpson – 2012