My work explores the power of images to relive past experiences, evoke emotions and arouse sensations. A dramatic sky or lush woodland acts as a portal to memories. Combinations of colours and shapes produce an immediate response and generate feelings of connection that can’t always be expressed in words – it just feels right.

I currently paint with acrylics on canvas or wood panels. My work evolves through experimentation with applications and approaches that blend hyper-realism with abstracted elements. I strive to connect with nature through landscape painting focusing on light, movement, and mood. Skies are essential in setting the tone. Whether my work features trees, water, rocks, or wildlife, it is layered with cool and warm tones to produce depth and impact bringing nature to life.

I believe that idyllic images are snapshots in time that create a sense of balance and serenity, serving as a reminder to enjoy the beauty that nature presents.

While it’s rewarding to share what’s meaningful to me, I also enjoy collaborating with clients to create something that’s personal for you.

I invite you to come with me on this journey!

Biography

Diane was born in Sudbury, Ontario and grew up in small communities with a wealth of nature on her doorstep. She is an artist based in Mississauga, Ontario who paints immersive landscape stories using rich colour, serene composition, and expressive brushwork. Having lived, worked, and traveled in many countries throughout her life, Diane is inspired by substantial variations in geography, cultures, and the creative accomplishments of others.

Diane left her corporate career in 2022 to dedicate herself to art, wellbeing and engaging with the local community. Throughout her life, creating art was a constant and provided a way to stay grounded through challenging times. Largely self-taught, Diane has benefitted from short art programs over the years, always learning from other artists’ techniques and insights. She values their generosity of knowledge, feedback, and guidance, and in turn, finds her own ways to support others as she moves forward with art.

Curriculum Vitae

Diane Dowsett is a Canadian fine arts painter based in Mississauga, Ontario. She transitioned from a successful business career to a self-employed working artist in May 2022.

Contact Information

Formal Education

  • 1999, Graduate, Human Resources – Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, England

  • 1990, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Sociology – University of Western Ontario, Canada

Solo Shows

Nov 2023 - Feb 2024 Beauty of the Seasons / Capucci Salon (Toronto, ON) - featuring 10 paintings

2024 Juried Exhibitions, Fairs & Group Shows

August 2024 Buckhorn Festival of the Arts (Buckhorn, ON)

August 2024 Art in the Park / Oakville Art Society (Oakville, ON)

April 2024 World Art Day Community Exhibition / Visual Arts Mississauga (Mississauga, ON)

April 2024 Dundas Valley School of Art Annual Auction (Dundas, ON)

March 2024 Oakville Art Society Student Art Show & Sale (Oakville, ON)

March 2024 Pi Art Squared / Art Alchemy Studio East (Toronto, ON)

Jan-Feb 2024 You Do You / Leslie Grove Gallery (Toronto, ON)

Jan-June 2024 Why Do You Create? / Visual Arts (Mississauga, ON)

Jan-Dec 2024 Art a la Carte / Legislative Assembly of Ontario (Toronto, ON)

2023 Juried Exhibitions, Fairs & Group Shows

Dec 2023-Jan 2024 Winter Wonder / Arts on the Credit (online gallery show)

Nov-Dec 2023 Dream Worlds / Visual Arts Mississauga (Mississauga, ON)

Nov-Dec 2023 Paula White Diamond Gallery Big Ideas Fall Show (Waterloo, ON)

November 2023 71st Colour and Form Society Open Juried Exhibition (Mississauga, ON)

November 2023 ArtWorks (Port Credit, ON)

September 2023 Art in the Park (Mississauga, ON)

September 2023 Perspectives / Oakville Art Society Members (Oakville, ON)

August 2023 Art in the Park (Oakville, ON)

July 2023 Art Squared / Arts on the Credit (online gallery show); awarded 3rd place in the juried prizes

June-July 2023 Summer Smalls Festival (Toronto, ON)

June 2023 You are Here / Visual Arts Mississauga (Mississauga, ON)

June 2023 Riverdale ArtWalk (Toronto, ON)

May 2023 Small WRX Show (Courtenay, BC)

March 2023    Pi Art Squared (Toronto, ON)

January-February 2023    Becoming and Being / Visual Arts Mississauga (Mississauga, ON)

January-February 2023    Hello Yellow, Leslie Grove Gallery (Toronto, ON)

December 2022    Intuitive Blues, Visual Arts Mississauga (Mississauga, ON)

Publications

  • Guest Article / Arts on the Credit: “Perched Sentinel” Painting Process (https://artsonthecredit.ca/behind-the-scenes-diane-dowsetts-process-for-perched-sentinel/)

Collections

  • Private collections – national and international

Commissions

  • 2020 - 2024 Private commissions: landscape and animal paintings in acrylics on canvas

Volunteer Work

  • 2023 Volunteered with Dundas Valley School of Art and the Artists Network, to assist with art shows

Memberships

  • Neilson Park Creative Centre

  • Dundas Valley School of Art

  • Visual Arts Mississauga

  • Oakville Art Society

  • Artists’ Network

  • Arts on the Credit