Western Skies

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Jody Bruce

Jody Bruce, 'Time to Take it Slow,' Western Skies Collection.

Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, self-taught artist Jody Bruce has made a career of painting natural landscapes in their purest form. She removes roads, buildings and people, featuring Canadian beauty at its finest. She’ll be returning to the Calgary Stampede Art Show this July to release her latest collection, titled Western Skies.

A previous winner of the Best of Show Flatwork Artist category, Bruce’s contemporary take on natural landscapes is popular with collectors across Alberta, British Columbia, California and the Pacific Northwest. Jody’s work is also popular with first-time buyers and she has had some high-profile clients at past Stampede shows. Canadian comedian Caroline Rhea bought one of Bruce’s original artworks at the Calgary Stampede.

“It’s great to see more Canadians staying closer to home this year with a renewed love for our beautiful country,” says Bruce. “The Stampede Art Show is an important spotlight for Canadian artists and the incredible talent we have here at home. I am very excited to be coming back to Alberta and anticipate a busy and exciting 10 days.”

Inspired by childhood memories of growing up in Edmonton and frequent visits to her grandparents' farm near Tofield, east of Edmonton, the Western Skies collection features yellow fields of canola, snow-capped mountains and vast Prairie landscapes.

Bruce’s linear yet fluid style is a well-planned process; her work is carefully measured to maintain perfect balance. All of her colors are predetermined, and nothing is blended or mixed on the canvas.

She paints with loud classical piano music, helping her take the painting where it needs to go. Each canvas features the repeated use of recurring shapes found in nature, creating a hypnotic rhythm and a sense of movement that lingers long after the music has stopped.

Her work often features bold colors, the moon and trees, as well as vistas of the Okanagan Valley, where she currently resides.

"If you haven't been already, the Art Show, within the Western Oasis in the BMO Centre is truly a must-see. The space is tranquil and a wonderful respite from the energy of the grounds,” says Ingrid Schulz, Chair of the Artists Studios sub-committee. “I encourage everyone to come and enjoy the beautiful artwork, meet and talk with the artists, and purchase works to take home. Many of the artists, like Jody, return every year and have a dedicated following. We look forward to seeing their new work."

The most extensive collection of Bruce’s work resides at the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre of Kelowna, where her work is said to bring comfort and evoke feelings of hope and resiliency for families impacted by child abuse.

This carefully curated Stampede collection will be on Bruce’s website starting July 3rd and released to the public at the Western Oasis from July 4th to July 13th.

To learn more, please visit Jody Bruce’s website and the Stampede Art Show.