Lynne Saunders is a Canadian west coast painter and sculptor living in Courtenay, B.C. on Vancouver Is.

After graduating with a BFA from the University of Victoria in 1970, the visual arts program left me in a state of confusion as to what I would like to create and where I fit in in the art world.  My search to find what I would like to convey with my work led me on a diverse journey where I explored many different subjects and mediums from portrait sculpture in modelled clay and bronze, to watercolours, to large landscapes in oils.  Along the way, I worked on portraiture and was a member of the Society of Canadian Portrait Artists (since disbanded).  I experimented in water colours working on a series of pond paintings, seascapes and a series of still lifes (shoe series).
I began working in oils in grade 6 and throughout the many diversions in the work force and in my studio, it remains my favourite medium.  My current series is a series of large oils inspired by the rain forests of British Columbia.  I am enchanted by the light, atmosphere and complex chaos of forms found in the forest, and endeavour to draw the viewer into that space with the use of light, colour  and form.  In another series, I continue to explore the intricate shapes of Arbutus trees that grow out of the sculptural rock formations on coastal islands and inlets.  The natural beauty on the coast is limitless and I am fortunate in being able to delight in its magnificence while cruising the waters on our boat throughout the summers here.

Education & History

  • Born in Victoria, B.C. 1947.

  • Grade 5, won art classes at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and started to work in oils in Junior High School.

  • Post Secondary:  Worked as a hairstylist while attending University of Victoria.  Graduated with a BFA in visual arts in 1970.

  • 1970 - 79 - Worked at a variety of art related jobs:  display artist in a department store, selling art and setting up exhibits in a private gallery, worked in a public art gallery etc.

  • 1971 - 81 - Returned to University of Victoria.  Completed internship in secondary school teaching and BEd.

  • 1981 - 94 - Taught senior secondary Art and English in Calgary, Alberta.
          - classes in sculpture at the Alberta College of Art.
          - bronze casting at Red Deer College
          - painted in watercolour and oil:  mostly prairie subjects influenced by living on a working farm east of Calgary.

  • 1994 - Moved to Vancouver Island. Established an art studio and continually develops work in oil, watercolour and sculpture.

Exhibition History

2001     Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists' National Exhibition: Vancouver, B.C.

2001     Timms Fine Art Gallery, Courtenay, B.C.

1997 - 2001     Greater Victoria Art Gallery, Art Rental Program

1997     North Island Regional Arts Council Juried Exhibit

1997     Community Arts Council, Invitational Exhibit

1996     Arts Alliance Gallery, Courtenay, B.C. "International Works on Paper Competion", honourable mention

1995 - 1996     Wisden Galleries, Courtenay, B.C.

1995 - 1996     Chemainus Theatre Art Gallery

1993 -1994     Triangle Art Rental, Juried Exhibit, Calgary, Alberta

1992 - 1994     Peter's Gallery, Calgary, Alberta

1995     "Return to Laughter" Invitational Exhibit, Muttart Gallery, Calgary, Alberta