As painters, we create the illusion of physical light by representing it as contrast with shadow or variations in value and colour on a two dimensional surface. Mood and story are affected by the impression of implied light source; be it directional, ambient, diffuse, or reflective. Too, how the intersection between subject and shadow is described will bring complexity and meaning to a work. 
 
Painted light might also imply metaphor, unbound by its natural physical properties. Symbolically the use of light imagery might bring deeper meaning and emotion where effulgent light is used to convey spiritual illumination or knowledge. Some of my pieces will explore the threshold between these two iterations of light. ​

Sarah Hillock majored in drawing and painting at the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, Ontario. It was here that she received the Libby Steinbeck Alterger Award in Figurative Studies. Her work has been exhibited in galleries across Canada and is part of the permanent collection at the Rooms Provincial Art Gallery. 

Sarah is interested in challenging the apathy surrounding the everyday encounter, whether it is with humans or animals.  Sarah is able is to explore these interactions between humans and animals by mixing a minimal yet impressionistic background to draw attention to the realistically painted animals. The minimalist background also asks the viewer to complete the picture and to feel the painting rather than just see it. Sarah seeks out her subject matter in fields, farms, and other remote areas. For Sarah the animals she depicts are from fond childhood memories where she grew up in rural Ontario.

​The subject matter that Sarah captures are not out of the ordinary. She makes her work captivating by merging various types of artistic styles such as impressionism and realism.  Sarah uses bold, bright, colours with strong brushstrokes to add structure and form to her works. The final product is a unique aesthetic that creates an enticing experience for the viewer.

        Sheila Davis’ work exposes the raw and natural Canadian landscape. Most of her work explores the forces of nature by looking at the contrasts between light, space, and texture, as well as how these elements come together to bring life and vibrancy to what many might consider mundane subject matter. For Sheila, the untouched Ontario landscape is something that speaks to her on an emotional level, adding depth and resonance to her paintings. Sheila’s work also has noticeable influence from West Coast subject matter, making her paintings resonate with audiences across the country. This often-overlooked landscape is something that Sheila is able to showcase the beauty of in all its light, texture, and vibrancy. 
 
    Sheila produces mid to large  scale paintings that are expressive and gestural with saturated colours and a sense of dynamism. The resulting paintings are captivating and draw the viewer into the wild landscape. The natural elements of her paintings carry a real sense of movement and energy, often making the viewer feel as if they are seeing the landscape first hand, instead of in a gallery. Sheila creates her works by quickly applying transparent layers of colour, then combines this with splattered and dripped paint. She finishes her works by reworking each of the layers with opaque brushwork and calligraphy.

    Sheila Davis is a self-taught artist who has been painting professionally for 23 years and is exhibiting some of her work in the upcoming exhibition, "In the Heart of the Wild". Sheila is represented by galleries across Canada and much of her work can be found in both private and corporate collections around the world.