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FASO Collector Recommends: Brenda Matsen
Biography
Brenda Matsen is an international award-winning artist specializing in bringing animals and the human experience to life through her captivating realism using pastel and oil. Having grown up on a farm in northern British Columbia, Brenda developed a lifelong passion for observing animals in their environments. After a 30-year career in health care, she relocated to Vancouver Island in 2018 to focus entirely on painting the natural world.
Working from her own reference photos, Brenda captures the unique spirit of animals and wildlife across western Canada. She has earned esteemed recognition internationally and holds prestigious Master and Signature designations with major Canadian art societies and Artists for Conservation. A dedicated conservationist, she actively supports wildlife rehabilitation by donating a portion of her proceeds to MARS Wildlife Rescue in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island in western Canada.
Earned Signature Status Explained
The letters following Brenda Matsen’s name represent Signature Status earned through rigorous peer review. These juried designations are awarded by national art society to recognize consistent technical mastery and professional excellence.
MPAC Master Pastelist Pastel Artists of Canada
SFCA Signature Member Federation of Canadian Artists
AFC Signature Member Artists for Conservation
SCA Elected Member Society of Canadian Artists
ARTIST STATEMENT
My artwork is an invitation to pause, reflect, and find a deeper connection to the living world. Specializing in pastel and oil, I strive to capture the unique spirit of animals and people in the fleeting moments that define our experiences.
Growing up in rural British Columbia fostered my deep fascination with wildlife and their environments. Every piece I create begins in the field, working from my own reference photographs taken during my travels through Western Canada. Through a realistic approach, I aim to freeze a moment in time, creating an opportunity for the viewer to step closer, experience the animal’s world, and appreciate the fragile environment we share. For me, art is not just about representation-it is a tool for conservation and a reminder to protect the wilderness that inspires us.
Learn More About Brenda Matsen
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