BÄRBEL SMITH, SCA, OSA, AFCA

My Journey as an Artist

I’m Bärbel Smith, a contemporary Canadian artist creating vibrant, semi-representational landscape paintings that capture the spiritual essence of the Canadian wilderness. Inspired by the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, and my Huntsville, Ontario childhood, I use acrylic on canvas to craft stylized trees, glowing reflections, and a joyful palette. Trained at the Alberta University of the Arts, I’ve exhibited widely since the 1980s, with my work in private and corporate collections across Canada, the U.S., and beyond.

As a juried signature member of the Society of Canadian Artists (SCA), Ontario Society of Artists (OSA), and Federation of Canadian Artists (AFCA), I’ve earned honors like the SCA’s Award of Merit and FCA’s Honourable Mention. Represented by Koyman Galleries in Ottawa and Galerie Bloom in Montreal, I live near Green Valley, southeast of Ottawa, painting full-time.

Through whimsical forms and luminous light, I strive to evoke peace, joy, and a deep connection to nature’s timeless beauty.

My Artistic Vision

My paintings are a celebration of Canada’s wilderness, infused with light and a spiritual undercurrent. Using bold colors and smooth brushstrokes, I seek to evoke the emotional essence of landscapes—moments of awe, peace, or transcendence. Each canvas is a dialogue between the seen and the unseen, inviting viewers to reconnect with nature and their inner selves. My process begins with sketches in the field, followed by intuitive interpretation in my initial charcoal drafts; I then allow the canvas to guide the story.

Selected Achievements:

Juried member of the Society of Canadian Artists (SCA), Ontario Society of Artists (OSA), and Federation of Canadian Artists (AFCA).
Received the Award of Merit from SCA and Honourable Mention from FCA (2019).
Featured in Arabella Magazine (March 2024) and The Link for distinctive landscape paintings.
Commissioned artwork for the Children’s Wish Foundation, with prints in Ontario hospitals.
Exhibited at Federation of Canadian Artists’ juried shows.
Artwork in corporate and private collections across Canada

Testimonials:
"I love your art Barbel.The rich hues you choose to tell the story of our great Canadian landscape are captivating.Your colours are fresh and clean! As an Interior Designer, I see these as significant pieces to finish rooms in clients decor. Just Beautiful!!" Penny Waller Interiors - Toronto,

Join Me on This Journey

Whether you’re a collector, a nature lover, or someone seeking art that uplifts, I’m thrilled you’re here. Explore my latest works, reach out for a commission, or stay connected for updates and inspiration.