About me

Lucie Olson

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Hello / Bonjour!

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My artistic journey started at a young age, but it took a back seat for many years due to my work career and raising my family. At last in 2018 the moment was right to immerse myself in a Fine Arts Diploma Program at the Ottawa School of Art. I thoroughly enjoyed trying new styles and mediums and being guided by great mentors. After graduating in 2022, I discovered cold wax medium, which became a game changer for my art practice.  It's soft paste consistency blends easily with oils and lends itself well to a loose application approach. I love the ability to create layers of colors and then subtract or scrape off sections of the top coats to reveal the beautiful colors underneath. Also appealing is the fact that cold wax surfaces dry to a velvety matte finish. 

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I paint on hard surfaces such as canvas paper and cradled wood panels. Works on canvas paper can either be mounted on a cradled panel or framed under glass. My only tools are silicone wedges, metal spatulas, skewers, or anything sharp that can be used for mark-making before the top layer fully dries. I am addicted to introducing textures that invite the touch as well as "carving" away at the top layer to make intricate patterns. 

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While I still occasionally paint with oil and brushes based on reference photos taken during my nature walks, I am intrigued by abstraction and often explore it in my creations. I simply paint from my imagination without preconceived ideas, letting colours and shapes emerge on the surface. However, most of my compositions morph into recognizable natural elements such as forests, vegetation, mountains and water. I am a nature lover who spends a lot of time enjoying the Gatineau Park (Quebec) near my home or other inspiring locations. This attraction to natural themes is most likely engraved in my subconscious and needs to resurface through my art.