Kathy Halliday

It is understood that an artist should specialize, should adhere to a distinct subject, style or uniform design for their art. I have trouble with that.

Long ago in a galaxy far, far, away, I studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design, where I concentrated in design and illustration, with a little sideline in Calligraphy. Although I focused on commercial work for a year or two after I left OCAD, I found myself wanting to paint. While solo backpacking in the Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia for a year, I somehow ended up painting commissioned portraits and landscapes, especially of horses (my first love). I intended to find a way to pursue fine art when I returned to Canada, but life had other plans for me.

Fast forward through a career as a company manager, editor and in-house artist, to when I found myself in unexpectedly early retirement. I set a goal for developing my painting skills in contemporary realism, doing sessions at the Academy of Realist Art in Toronto, and masterclasses or mentorships with several top international artists – Anthony Waichulis, Costa Dvorezky, Scott Waddell, and David Kassan among them. Although I still love portraiture, I also find endless inspiration in the beauty of landscape and still life.

I am always happy to discuss all kinds of commissions – people, pets, homes, favourite landscapes. To buy or commission art, please contact me at khalliday376@gmail.com.