Biography
Alison Philpotts was born in Montreal, QC in 1965. She studied drawing and watercolor through classes at the University of Calgary, and progressed to develop her own distinguished style and approach to painting in acrylics.
Alison is self taught, inspired by the masters, such as the Group of Seven, Cezanne, Degas, Van Gough and her father, who is an artist in his own right.
Alison's work is primarily the result of the need to paint; it is both a challenge and an outlet; a discipline and a passion.
As her work is emotive, tempo/rhythm is important to continue the feeling that is to be expressed.
Inspiration for Alison's present work can pop up at any time and in any place. Acrylic paint is her favourite medium, as it dries quickly and allows her to keep the momentum.
Alison's paintings are a series of under paintings, layer after layer until the final image has built up and she is confident that there is nothing left to add.
Alison's goal is to engage the viewer, to feel the beauty of surrounding nature, through the illusion of vibrant colour palettes.
She defines her work as a balance between mastery of technique, an opinion to express and an emotional reaction.
Alison is presently represented by Lineham House gallery in Okotoks, ArtMatch (online gallery) and Saatchi Art, an online gallery.
Alison resides in Calgary, Alberta with her husband and two sons.
Artist Statement
I am a landscape artist, creating acrylic paintings on canvas inspired by the rolling prairies and mountain scenery of southern Alberta and British Columbia. These natural environments are the wellspring of my creative expression, which I seek to convey through strong colors, simplified imagery, and emotional depth.
For me, painting is not about replicating a scene, but rather about translating the feelings I experience in nature into a visual form. I embrace the freedom of acrylics as a medium that allows me to reflect the emotional resonance of a place rather than its literal representation. My focus is on creating an emotional connection to the landscape—capturing its spirit, grandeur, and serenity. Each piece is guided by my inner response to the environment, which influences everything from the pace of my brushwork to the choice of colours.
Through my work, I aim to bring the feeling of the natural world into indoor spaces. A painting succeeds when it evokes the same awe and calm that I experience in the landscape itself, offering the viewer a momentary escape to the wilderness. Whether in a private collection or on display in a public space, my work seeks to transport people to the heart of nature, providing a serene and contemplative presence.
My paintings are now part of collections across Western Canada and the United States, where they continue to resonate with those who share an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.