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Brett Heidi
Introduction
 
My paintings are expressions that celebrate the untamed beauty of North American wildlife and Western subjects through bold, luminous brushwork.  Growing up in rural Alberta and later living in Mexico, I developed a deep respect for nature's symmetry - a theme that anchor's my vibrant, impressionist scenes.
 
With the use of acrylic and oil, my technique merges principles used across mediums, such as the fluidity of watercolor, the depth of glazing with oils, and the ruggedness of charcoal.  The intent is to capture moments of connection for you to discover: a mountain vista kissed by the golden sun, the bond between animals and their environment, the friendship between a cowgirl and her horse or the spirited energy of a working ranch. 
I am fascinated by light, color and contrast, balancing spontaneity with intention.  Sweeping strokes and vivid pigments evoke emotion rather than strict realism.  Each piece begins with an open narrative, creating a space for you to weave your own memories and connections into the canvas.
Inspiration
 

We live where farmland meets the foothills, backdropped by the Rockies. The weather here is always changing—bringing dramatic thunderstorms and ever-shifting light. Surrounded by farm animals, bright yellow canola fields, and the shimmering leaves of poplar trees, I’m never without inspiration.

Often, I’ll catch spontaneous moments of connection between species: a Clydesdale and a magpie locking eyes, my dog gently observing a butterfly, or bounding excitedly through tall grass.  It is these small wonders, these glimpses into a vibrant world, that I hope to bring into your space and help energize your daily life.

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Process
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My goal is to preserve luminosity by using thin layers of paint, contrasted with selective final touches of textured impasto. I work with loose, large brushstrokes to convey emotion, then balance them with smaller, deliberate details—creating a harmonious dance between abstraction and representation.  Some pieces embrace negative space, inviting a moment of calm, while others demand a fuller, more impressionistic approach to draw you into the scene.

The Beginnings 
 

I was born into a world of art. My father, a graduate of Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, and a curious and dedicated oil painter, was my first teacher, setting up a small workspace for me in his studio where I’d paint miniatures of his own intense works. Under his watchful eye, I learned the discipline of art, while my mother provided the unwavering commendation. At home, she nurtured our creativity in countless other ways—as a great seamstress, a lover of books who filled many days with library visits, and an adventurous cook, creating an environment rich with texture, story, and beauty. Homeschooling allowed the space for this creative upbringing to flourish, leading me to art contests and a deep dive into painting and illustration.

My inspiration is deeply rooted in the natural world. After moving from Calgary to my family's farmland in Mountain View County, the animals we adopted became my friends and teachers. At eight, I learned to ride bareback with just a halter, forging a profound bond with a gentle horse that shaped my understanding of partnership and trust. This lifelong connection to animals and the land continues to be a central theme in my work.

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Acrylic painting - age 9 - Entered into a North American Youth Artist Contest (winner among top 10) - Adopted to be hung in the Case IH Head Office located in Racine, Wisconsin

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Custom Sketch - age 19

'Magpie' Oil Painting - age 17

The Journey

In my late teens and early twenties, I stepped into the corporate world, spending Monday to Friday in an office.  After a while, I began traveling with my family to Mexico, where I eventually moved, all the while maintaining a remote job and creating art part-time—mostly as gifts for friends or the occasional custom request.

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Above: Experimenting with watercolour

 

'Below: Faithful'  Watercolour/Charcoal

(the piece that lead me to my current style)​​​

My career began in a corporate office, but a move to Mexico opened a new chapter. While working remotely, I continued creating art—mostly for my apartment and as gifts for friends. Living there for six years immersed me in a world of vibrant colour and culture, which clearly reshaped how I saw my surroundings, and it was also where I met my husband.

When we returned to my hometown, I began experimenting with new materials. It was during this time that I discovered a love for the minimalist feel of watercolor and charcoal. Encouraged from the opportunity to show a piece in the Calgary Stampede Silent Art Auction, I felt a new sense of direction. This led me to explore acrylics for their fluidity and the practical ease of creating larger works without glass. That exploration gradually developed into the style I work in today.

 

More recently, I've been reintegrating oil paints back into my process, and I now enjoy working across these different mediums.

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The Studio
 
​​I work from my home studio just west of Olds, Alberta.  My husband and I welcome visitors—please feel free to contact me to schedule a time for a visit!

 

You can also visit us at our annual events such as Calgary Stampede Art Show and Spruce Meadows Masters.  

Interested in a custom piece or collaboration?  I’d love to hear from you!

Stay updated by signing up for emails or following me on Instagram/Facebook!

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Highlighted Events & Show History
  • Best of the West' Show 2025 - Great falls, Montana 
  • Participating artist in the Artist Studios of the Calgary Stampede Western Art Show every year since 2019
  • Spruce Meadows Masters annually since 2022 - Calgary, Alberta
  • Pure West Art Auction since 2022 - Calgary, Alberta
  • Juried shows since 2016, including Leighton Art Centre - Millerville, Alberta
  • Solo Exhibition and Representation at Diony Distillery & Gallery (2023 - 2025)
  • Solo Exhibition at Blue Rock Law Office - Calgary, Alberta (2024 - 2025)
  • Representation history with a number of boutique galleries through B.C. and Alberta (2014 - 2025)

Collections

 

I am deeply grateful that my work has found a home in such a wide variety of collections, from those of first-time art owners to distinguished private collections, from multi-generational art families and contemporary business leaders.  It is the highest compliment when a painting is chosen for personal homes, where they become part of a family's daily life and are entrusted to mark important moments.

Known Locations of Private Collections: 

Canada

Alberta:  Calgary - Edmonton -  Foothills County - Mountain View County - Flagstaff County

British Columbia:  Vancouver

Ontario: Toronto

International

United States: Texas

British Overseas Territories:  Turks and Caicos

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www.brettheidi.com

Western Art - Original Art- Contemporary Art - Olds Alberta Canada - Artist - Abstract Impressionism

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