Naomi Grindlay

biography

I was born in Zambia, in the heart of Africa and raised in Southern Africa. I moved to Canada seventeen years ago and now reside on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. An Artist Paradise. We are so fortunate as artists to be surrounded by such breathtaking beauty on this gorgeous Island.

I’m a self-taught lifelong student of oil painting and have a love for painting people, still life and landscapes.

I remember carrying around sketch pads and pencils as little girl, sketching everything in sight. My parents still have all my childhood artwork framed hanging in their homes. I worked primarily in charcoal and drew African wild-life. At age 11, I had a table at the flea market where I sketched peoples portraits. My artistic career began in a textile design studio and then painted ceramics for years. Being a textile designer, I hand painted table cloths, lampshades and cushion covers all with an African influence. Then my brother gave me my first set of oils on my 28th Birthday, the best gift I have ever received! Changed my life and now I'm a daily oil painter. I also teach this incredibly versatile medium to those wishing to experience the joy of Oil Painting. I'm also an avid blogger talking about my artistic processes, life, love and the daily challenges and advantages of being on the Autistic Spectrum. I great lover of music and love singing Jazz. One of the greatest advantages of being on the spectrum, are the many gifts bestowed upon me for which I am deeply grateful.

where to see or read more

shows: Naomi is represented by the Eclectic Gallery in Victoria, BC.

web: Visit Naomi's website to learn more about the artist and to stay up to date.
Here is a link to her About Me page for more images and info.
The artist has a Facebook page for all the latest.
Visit Naomi's Twitter page here.

contact the artist

phone: 778 353 2232
email: saltspringislandstudios@gmail.com

artist statement

Creating art is a very personal journey. It’s our own way of expressing and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us. Some are still at the beginning of their journey, while others are more seasoned artists. Where ever we are in our journey, let us create with joy in our hearts and share our world with those who wish to take part in it.

I have a great love for painting in oils. I love the smell of fresh oil paint and how it feels as it glides over my canvas. My studio beckons me when I wake up in the morning. It reminds me of Picasso’s words “Painting is stronger than me, it makes me do it’s bidding”

Inspiration, I believe, are gifts bestowed upon us from the Powers that Be.

A new canvas excites me and intimidates me at the same time. Light and the way it affects color, is my daily obsession.

Every time I pick up my paintbrush, I learn something new.

For the Viewer ~ I wish to give you a sense of peace, harmony and light ~

My greatest influence and teachers are artists I admire and who’s work I study on a regular basis. I love John Singer Sergent’s loose contemporary style, his work has always inspired me.

Naomi Grindlay - painter

go back to painting