The Power of Color and Emotion in Artist Dawn Bouchard’s Paintings

Dawn Renee Bouchard is a self-taught Canadian artist now based in Brockville, Ontario, known for her vibrant interpretations of nature using acrylics and soft pastels. In this interview, She shares her story of finding her way back to painting after retiring from a career in education. Dawn talks about how her love for art, passed down through her family, blossomed later in life and led her to create beautiful, award-winning nature paintings. She also opens up about her creative process, the emotions behind her work, and how she uses color to capture the beauty in everyday life.

Dawn Renee Bouchard is a Canadian artist living in Brockville, Ontario, renowned for her captivating interpretations of the natural world through vibrant acrylics and soft pastels. With a career beginning later in life, following her retirement from education, Bouchard’s artistry reflects a profound connection to the landscapes of her native Ontario, where she finds inspiration in the ever-changing seasons and serene vistas. Despite lacking formal training, Bouchard’s innate talent and unwavering dedication have propelled her to become an award-winning artist recognized for her mastery of color, light, and composition. Her work has been featured in numerous international books and magazines and can be found in homes across Canada. Bouchard’s artistic journey is marked by a commitment to constant exploration and experimentation, pushing the boundaries of her creative expression with each new piece. Her paintings exude a sense of tranquillity and nostalgia, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world and rediscover the magic in everyday moments. As a passionate advocate for the arts, Bouchard actively engages with her local community,  sharing her work and expertise with others. Through her art, she seeks to inspire people to embrace their creativity and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the world around them. Dawn Bouchard’s legacy as an artist lies in her remarkable body of work and the enduring impact of her artistic vision, which continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Art has been a constant presence in my life since childhood. I loved drawing as a young girl, often sketching portraits of my friends, and art was always my favorite subject in school. I started painting as a teenager, beginning with oils before moving on to acrylics and watercolours. Throughout my early twenties, I continued to paint and did some commissioned work for family and friends. However, when I had children and began my career as a teacher and later a principal, my time for art dwindled, and I stepped away from painting for many years. Five years ago, after I retired, I felt the pull to return to my art. Rediscovering painting after such a long break was like reconnecting with a lost piece of myself. It felt natural, as though the passion had always been there, waiting for the right moment to resurface. My family history has been a big influence as well. My great-grandfather was a professional landscape painter, and my father took up painting after he retired. After my father passed away three years ago, I found soft pastels in his art room, which sparked my interest in a new medium.I now work in acrylics and soft pastels, enjoying experimenting with different techniques and styles. I have no formal training, but I am always eager to learn. YouTube videos and mini-workshops have been invaluable for expanding my skills, and I love experimenting with new approaches and products. My work often focuses on nature, using the play between warm and cool colors to create detailed main subjects set against softer, more subtle backgrounds. I also do a fair amount of commission work, allowing me to explore a wide range of subjects. Since returning to painting, I’ve been fortunate to be published in several books and magazines and have won multiple juried art competitions. Art is now an essential part of my life, and I’m committed to learning, growing, and sharing

Painting is my lifeline, a distraction that helps navigate life’s challenges with hope. In vulnerability, I find strength, and in the completion of a piece, a reflection of my journey—a tale of resilience, love, and the enduring beauty of the human spirit.

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2. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

My creative process can vary depending on whether I’m working in acrylics or pastels, but a few key steps remain consistent across both mediums. I always begin by working from a reference, typically using my photos as inspiration. These references help ground my work in reality while allowing me room to explore and interpret the subject through my unique perspective. To make my references more distinct, I use a series of apps that help transform the initial photo. I often start in Lightroom, where I adjust the lighting, enhance the details of the main subject, and soften the background elements. This allows me to bring forward the focus while creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. Next, I use apps like Picsart, Glaze, or Prisma to transform the photo into a more “painterly” version. This step adds an artistic filter to my reference, helping me visualize how the piece will evolve on canvas. Recently, I’ve added a new step to my process: creating spontaneous underpaintings or free and abstract backgrounds. I’ll use apps like Pixlr or Pixelmator to create a double exposure by layering my photo reference over the underpainting. This technique helps me easily map out the composition and draw the main image on the canvas. Once the foundation is set, I begin the painting process, which involves building layers. I work in many layers to achieve the desired depth, color contrast, and detail. Layering allows me to create a richness and dimensionality that gives the final piece a sense of life and movement, whether in acrylics or pastels. This methodical yet flexible approach helps me remain open to experimentation while staying true to my vision for each piece.

3. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

A recent piece I painted titled Dragonfly Whispers holds profound meaning for me. A friend I had lost touch with asked if a painting I posted was available for purchase. The painting had already sold, but I felt compelled to create something just for her when she shared her story. She had lost her son three years earlier, and, tragically, two years after that, her other son lost his five-year-old son in an accident. Her family had been living under the weight of immense grief. With the anniversary of her grandson’s death approaching, she wanted something meaningful for her surviving son and his family. The dragonfly in my original painting had special significance for them, symbolising their lost loved ones. My friend’s grandson was the same age as mine, and the unimaginable pain of their loss deeply resonated with me. I offered to create a new painting, not just as a piece of art but as a tribute to their loved ones and a source of healing. As I planned and painted Dragonfly Whispers, I shed many tears, moved by their story. I included their son’s name hidden within the dragonfly’s wings and a heartfelt script that reflected the importance of remembering him through these beautiful creatures. When my friend presented the painting to her son’s family on the anniversary of their loss, she shared with me the profound impact it had. Her words, “I can’t even begin to explain the impact of your painting on everyone and how you ‘capture and feel their hearts’… My heart is bursting for the first time in a long while,” left me in tears again. This experience reminded me of the emotional depth art can reach and its healing power.

4. What role does experimentation play in your art practice?

Experimentation plays a vital role in my art practice. Since I don’t have formal art training, I rely heavily on self-learning, and experimentation is how I grow, refine my skills, and discover new creative directions. We’re fortunate to live in a time when access to online videos, tutorials, and workshops is readily available. I prioritise absorbing as much knowledge as possible and then applying what I’ve learned by experimenting with different techniques and styles. This process of trial and error allows me to discover what works for me and resonates with my artistic vision. Over time, I’ve started incorporating materials I hadn’t initially realized were options for artists, and I’ve recently embraced mixed media. A liberating, creative energy comes from experimenting with these various mediums and textures, as it pushes me out of my comfort zone and encourages growth. Experimentation also helps guide my learning path, showing me areas I want to explore more deeply. One of the next steps I’m eager to explore is integrating oil paints into my work as a final layer. This constant curiosity and openness to new techniques keep my art practice evolving and exciting.

In the beautiful of colours, I’ve found solace. With gratitude, a heart full of passion, and the undying hope that my art will inspire, I paint, creating a tapestry that speaks of embracing dreams at any age.

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5. What do you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

When people experience my art, I hope they take away a sense of joy, energy, and peacefulness. My work is often inspired by nature, where I love capturing the fine details and repeated patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. I enjoy getting close to my subjects, allowing their beauty to reveal itself in ways that aren’t always apparent at first glance. Color plays an important role in my work because I believe life should be lived in full color, not in monotone. Through my art, I want people to pause, appreciate, and be thankful for the beauty in everyday items and moments that often go overlooked.

Dawn Renee Bouchard’s story is a beautiful reminder that pursuing your passions is never too late. Her art brings joy and peace to those who view it, drawing inspiration from the natural world and everyday moments. Dawn’s journey shows how art can heal, inspire, and connect people. To learn more about Dawn, visit the links below.