Exploring Nature An Interview with Canadian Fine Artist Jeff Dillon

JEFF DILLON

Waterloo, Ontario


DATE: 2021

SolidarityCanadian Art Today Ep531

Join Paul Constable on this week's episode of Canadian Art Today from Artist in Canada as he sits down with world-famous Canadian fine artist Jeff Dillon. Hailing from Waterloo, Ontario, Jeff's passion for the natural world and its vibrant beauty shines through in his stunning post-impressionist artworks. From his early days wandering the fields and forests, collecting leaves, and observing weather patterns, to his commitment to painting as an essential part of his life, Jeff's journey is both inspiring and captivating. In this in-depth interview, Jeff shares how his boyhood adventures and deep connection with nature have shaped his unique artistic style. His work is characterized by bold colours, dynamic lines, and a vibrant fluidity that brings his canvases to life. Influenced by artists like Lawren Harris and Vincent van Gogh, Jeff combines realistic portrayals with abstract shapes and intricate brushwork, creating pieces that are both visually stunning and emotionally engaging. Discover Jeff Dillon's creative process, his inspirations, and the techniques he uses to capture the essence of the natural world in his art. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious about the journey of a dedicated artist, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of contemporary Canadian art. Don't miss this exclusive interview! Jeff's site: https://jeffdillon.ca/

Transcript:
- 0:00 - We are live. This is 20f Entertainment.
- 0:09 - [Music]
- 0:30 - And here we are. Good day today, we're back.
- 0:36 - Nothing but sunshine and happiness, right? Texas has a hurricane, not here but in Houston, moving North. Welcome to the lake.
- 0:54 - Planet Earth usually runs up the East Coast, doesn't come through central Canada much.
- 1:00 - It's still summertime, better than shoveling snow. Enjoy every day, even if it's hot.
- 1:12 - We have a great artist today, Jeff Dillon. He's got a different perspective of landscape painting.
- 1:27 - They're fresh, vibrant. When I look at it, it just pops. We're going to talk to him about his processes.
- 1:38 - His vision, how he sees Canada. It's unique. Here he is today.
- 1:57 - His work has a consistent energy. It pops. It's something people can learn from and appreciate.
- 2:17 - Artists usually have stuff to say. Let's bring him on.
- 2:30 - And there he is. Jeff, welcome to the show.
- 2:40 - Thanks, welcome. I'm going to let you two gentlemen have at it. Enjoy the show, see you at the end.
- 2:47 - Good morning Jeff, how are you doing?
- 2:54 - Good morning, good. I've seen your work for a while and appreciate it. Let's show your work to more people.
- 3:08 - We all have different ways of seeing a landscape. I really feel what you're painting is Canada.
- 3:21 - Your style is iconic, a rare and hard-to-do thing. Your work is great, posters and prints are available too.
- 4:04 - No, that's exactly it. I started painting various subjects but focused on Canada's vast landscapes.
- 4:22 - Between the mountains, Coastal scenes, and wildlife, there's a lot of inspiration in Canada.
- 4:36 - I'm with two galleries, Koyman Galleries in Ottawa and Grant Berg Gallery in Alberta, and I sell through my website.
- 5:00 - Each painting takes about 80 hours, larger ones up to 120. I try to paint every day.
- 5:23 - Forest fires are a natural part of forests. This painting represents the rebirth after a fire.
- 6:05 - The colors and layers depict the intensity of light and fire. It's therapeutic to paint like this.
- 6:35 - I've experimented with different scenes and tried to balance fine detail with larger shapes.
- 7:08 - Art shows culture and subject matter in unique ways. Forest fires are intriguing to paint.
- 8:01 - I use acrylic, mostly heavy body by Golden. The layers create the desired brightness.
- 8:53 - Each painting has its own character and challenge. I play with light and shapes.
- 9:31 - Your work reminds me of map-making, defining landscapes with vibrant energy.
- 10:11 - Traveling and photography inspire my work. Social media helps share the detailed images.
- 11:04 - Your design sense and intuitive painting make each piece unique and engaging.
- 12:08 - Lauren Harris's work inspired me to play with light and dark contrasts.
- 13:35 - Capturing movement and energy in landscapes creates a dynamic feel.
- 14:18 - I love the movement in your work, representing nature's fluidity.
- 15:26 - Your works, like this one, show Canada's rugged beauty in a fresh way.
- 16:12 - Each piece tells a story, reflecting Canada's natural and cultural aspects.
- 17:10 - Your paintings bring a sense of place and identity to Canada's landscapes.
- 18:23 - The detail and color in your works create a rich, immersive experience.
- 19:46 - Your style captures the essence of Canadian landscapes with a unique vision.
- 21:00 - You blend realistic elements with abstract shapes to depict natural scenes.
- 22:43 - Painting the night sky and shadows adds depth and dimension to your work.
- 23:36 - Your pieces show the raw energy and ruggedness of Canada's terrain.
- 25:13 - The Celtic influence in your work adds a personal touch and heritage.
- 26:31 - Your paintings evoke emotions and memories, connecting viewers to the landscapes.
- 27:18 - Your artistic journey reflects a deep connection to Canada's natural beauty.
- 28:30 - The intricate details in your work create a sense of realism and depth.
- 29:56 - Each painting has a unique narrative, reflecting your creative process.
- 30:42 - Your use of light and color brings each landscape to life.
- 31:43 - Painting Canada in your style adds to the nation's artistic identity.
- 33:20 - The symbolism and cultural aspects in your work resonate with many viewers.
- 34:23 - The vibrant colors and dynamic compositions in your work are captivating.
- 35:37 - Your ability to depict different seasons and environments is impressive.
- 37:08 - The Aurora Borealis painting has a strong emotional and symbolic impact.
- 38:23 - The flat horizon and detailed trees in your work create a balanced composition.
- 39:53 - Your paintings highlight the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of Canada.
- 41:10 - The contrast between dark and light areas in your work adds depth and intrigue.
- 42:21 - The reflections in your water scenes are masterfully done, adding realism.
- 44:48 - Each piece showcases your unique perspective and artistic talent.
- 47:03 - Painting for 11-12 years, almost daily, shows dedication and passion.
- 48:46 - Your work captures the essence of the golden hour in Canadian landscapes.
- 51:00 - Your intuitive approach to painting and design creates powerful images.
- 53:43 - The natural colors and detailed shadows in your work enhance the overall composition.
- 56:39 - Your paintings evoke a sense of place and connection to Canada's natural beauty.
- 58:49 - The vertical compositions and reflections in your work are particularly striking.
- 1:00:42 - Your use of shape and color to depict mist and light is skillful and engaging.
- 1:01:11 - Your range in pricing from $1,000 to $10,000 reflects the quality and detail of your work.
- 1:02:07 - Great talk, Jeff. We enjoyed seeing your work and look forward to more.