Paint what you know

Judith believes in the old adage "Paint What You Know." She has had a love affair with trees for as long as she can remember. "Trees are sacred to me and connect us with the spirit of the earth and the spirit of life." Her father was her inspiration — a forester who showed great respect for nature and all living things.

Judith was born in New Brunswick, and her lifelong ambition was to be a professional artist. That goal was achieved at the age of 34, when she left a nursing career — as an instructor and head nurse in the emergency and operating rooms — and traded it all for a painting career.

She moved with her family to Victoria, BC in 1988 and attended the University of Victoria, graduating with Honours in Fine Arts in 1993. Since launching her art career in 1979, Judith has had 45 solo exhibitions and 85 group shows to her credit, and continues to paint full time.

Judith and her husband return every summer to their cottage at Grand Lake in New Brunswick, where she paints and exhibits. One highlight of giving back is "Artists at North Lake," an event she hosted for forty artists and artisans. She has taught and given demonstrations on cruise ships, the Queen of the North ferry, and in schools and art groups, and serves on the board of The Woodie Wheaton Land Trust.

Painting mainly in acrylics and watercolours, her art captures the essence of light and shadow as it transforms old-growth forests and hazy shorelines. Judith hopes her paintings remind us that the natural beauty of our wild places must be protected for future generations.