Wildsight Golden is offereing a chance to win an original painting by local artist Regan Johnston.
Everyone who is a member of Wildsight and attends the organization’s annual general meeting March 30 will have their name entered into a draw to win.
Johnston, who is a well known artist from Golden, chose to support Wildsight due to their work in protecting wildlife, forests and watersheds.
“It’s organizations like these that will help make suer that wild places exist for future generations,” said Johnston in an interview with Wildsight.
“I’d also like to thank all the member that are helping give nature a voice.”
Johnston got his start as a painter in the industrial world, painting houses for a living for years before picking he first picked up an artists for the first time just over four years ago.
From that moment, Johnston knew that painting was for him.
“I fell in love with making art immediately and knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life,” said Johnston.
Primarily, he works with wildlife paintaings and the landscapes that they live in.
He finds his inspiration in the wilderness that surrounds Golden, drawing on the sense of nostalgia he gets when he’s in the outdoors.
“When I’m out in nature, it’s like going home,” said Johnston.
“Ever since I started painting, my connection to nature and the mountains has been growing and my awareness of how everyhting is connected has become clearer.”
Johnston says he hopes when people look at his paintings, they can be reminded of the love they have for nature.
It’s why he’s felt such a connection to Wildsight and their work.
“If you love something, you protect it,” he said
“There’s so much life out there, from grizzlies to fungi…
“I hope my work can raise awareness to protect wildlife and the places they call home.”
The particular painting for the Wildsight contest comes from an idea born from the drive along the Icefield Parkway in Jasper National Park, with fall colours and fresh snow in the mountains.
For more information on the Wildsight initiatives, see Wildsight.ca/branches/golden or email Golden@wildsight.ca
