Artist's Statement

As an artist, my vibrant horse portraits and landscape paintings are a celebration of color and light. I am deeply inspired by the energy and spirit of horses, wildlife, and the natural landscapes that surround me.

My technique involves layering thick, textured brushstrokes to capture the essence of my subjects. I begin with a palette of pure bright color, simplifying my shapes, adjusting the temperature of the color and finally into refinement and detail. I am drawn to scenes with dynamic curves and captivating negative spaces, whether it is wild horses or majestic bears, always guided by the play of light and shadow.

My artwork is a reflection of my lifelong love for horses, wildlife, and the great outdoors. I am dedicated to capturing the unique energy of my subjects through my own photography and transforming these moments into bold, full spectrum paintings. My study with renowned artists have honed my ability to translate the secrets of light and color into my own unique style.

 

Diane Williams Equine Painter and Photographer

In 2011, Diane left an art teaching career to move to Alberta to embrace her love of horses and capture their essence in brilliant oil color. Her love of the outdoors has led her to photograph and paint wild horses and animals all in their natural habitat. Her local landscapes of Alberta evoke the spirit of the land.

Williams’ life provided her with the perfect backdrop for pursuing her passions for art and horses. Growing up in British Columbia, Williams's father Norman, was a professional photographer, and her mother Alice was a stained glass artist and painter.

Instead of watching cartoons on Saturday mornings, Diane's mom immersed her in art classes in her local hometown, Chilliwack, British Columbia. She was encouraged to experiment with paint on large sheets of paper, the beginnings of her love of color and textured brushstrokes.

“My father gave me my first ‘brownie’ camera when I was six,” Williams recalls. “He introduced me to the concept of the rule of thirds, teaching me to place my subject matter into the one-third, not the middle of the photo. Williams’ father made sure she received rigorous training in classical photography, learning to focus on composition and more importantly, the play of light. 

The more time Williams spent with horses, the greater her passion became, the horse becoming her primary artistic muse. With encouragement from her family, Williams experimented with a variety of creative mediums and developed her technique. Throughout her schooling, she sought out art classes and was supported by her teachers. In high school, Williams was privileged to study under the tutelage of Ellie Pucher, an accomplished artist from Vienna.

She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Art from the University of British Columbia. She embarked on a teaching career of over 30 years, teaching high school art and photography classes.

While teaching, Williams continued honing her artistic skills by attending extensive workshops through the Federation of Canadian Artists in Vancouver, BC, and also studying at the Vancouver Academy of Art. Perhaps most influential, Williams studied for seven years at the Sacramento School of Light and Color, where she was instructed and guided by Susan Sarback, artist and founder of the school. From Sarback, she learned how to use full spectrum colors while painting en Plein Aire.

Williams has been a member of the P.A.A. Professional Artist Association for over 6 years.

She has exhibited at various art galleries in Alberta, the International Calgary Stampede and at the Spruce Meadows Masters International Horse Show.

Recognition

Williams’ paintings have captured the imagination of viewers and collectors throughout Canada, the U. S. and Europe. Her work has been featured in solo shows throughout British Columbia and in Alberta for three years at the International Calgary Stampede and five years at the Spruce Meadows-Masters International Show.

• First place in Western Photo Competition, Calgary Stampede 2018, 2019: Esprits Mystiques, Camargue and Equine Spirits II.
• She was featured at the Las Vegas FEI World Dressage Final, Robinson Lusitanos arranged to fly the artist and four large paintings to the show for their booth.
• Williams's work was featured at the National Lusitano, Andalusian show in Austin, Texas, and her paintings were chosen for the cover of their prestigious show program. Two times chosen for the cover of The Canadian Andalusian Show and Fiesta of the Royal Horse, PAALH.
• Featured in the magazines Horses in Art, Horses All, and Ex Arte Equinus 6.
• Her paintings, “Blue Spirit” and "Ancient Mare" are on the set of the Alberta TV series, Heartland.
• Previous Galleries in Alberta and British Columbia include:
  • • The Alley Cat, Bragg Creek, AB
    • Art Country Canada, Bragg Creek, AB
    • Blue Rock Gallery, Black Diamond, AB
    • The Silver Tree Gallery, Canmore, AB
    • The Rustica Gallery, Cochrane, AB
    • The Tyrrell Clarke Gallery, Cochrane, AB
    • Llyod Gallery, Penticton, BC