Erna Dean Westhaver

I always say that Newfoundland is in my bones and my heart, but for almost thirty years, I have truly adopted Nova Scotia in my heart.
My work is a study of light and atmosphere captured through the alternating lenses of realism and stylization. Wheather I am documenting a familiar waterfront landmark or the rhythmic energy of a musician in performance, my focus is on the specific way light defines a subject and how colour translates the mood of a place.
I work primarily in Acrylics, utilizing two distinct visual languages. In my realistic paintings, I focus on precision and naturalism, documenting the authentic textures and fine details of landscapes and archicture to preserve the quite reality of a scene.
In contrast, my stylized work allows for a more emotive exploration, for example, in some of my paintings, I experiment with light and wide palettes - from deep blues accented with hits of red to indicate a light source, to softer compositions of pinks, greens and blues. This ongoing experimentation with light and colour allows me to capture the heat of a live blues set just as effectively as the shifting hues of a waterfront morning.
While much of my current work is inspired by the vibrant spirit of the Atlantic coast, my practice is an ongoing record of my observations from around the world. By moving between these styles and settings, I aim to translate the diverse pulse of my surroundings, wherever they may be. For me, painting is a continuous discovery of how light and colour can transform a moment into a lasting personal impression. 

My journey with art began in my younger years, dabbling for a short time, with oils. Later, I took formal studies in Graphic Design, where I developed a foundational understanding of composition and visual language. Though my professional career followed a different path, my passion for creating remained a constant influence throughout my life. Since retiring, I have fully returned to my love of painting, dedicating the past three years to consistent study and refinement of my craft, through Expressions of Colour Art Studio. My work in acrylics explores the intersection of nature's landscapes and the rhymic energy of local musicians, blending realism with distinct stylistic flair.