Art Collectors Choice: Linda Irwin, Photorealist Painter & Photographer Of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Linda Irwin is a photorealist painter from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She works mainly in acrylics and mixed media, experimenting with different surfaces, including glass, tile, canvas and numerous types of wood, occasionally incorporating resin.
The Canadian started her ‘painting journey’ in 2016, after being talked into attending a ‘Paint Night’ at a local tavern. The experience unleashed a hidden talent. Initially self-taught, Linda has studied under numerous local artists, including Holly McWilliams, Loretta Secord, and most recently with David Kitler.
In 2020 Linda was accepted into the International Guild of Realism (IGOR) and first entered the American Art Awards. Since then she has won numerous AAA awards, including the ‘Masterpiece Award’, and a first place with a landscape photo.
Irwin’s paintings are in private collections across Canada and the USA, and have been displayed at the Canmore Art Guild and the Highwood Gallery in Alberta.
The busy artist recently incorporated another interest into her portfolio — Pet Portraiture. A commission to paint a memorial tribute to a friend’s beloved pet blossomed into a heartfelt passion. Linda explains, “Seeing the joy and happiness a customer feels when they receive my tribute, makes this all worthwhile. It is actually the most rewarding part of my painting adventure!”
“I love the challenge of recreating photos, either those that I have taken myself, or that other photographers have allowed me to use. I try to improve on the photo, capturing the personality of the subject, and improving on the detail, color, and accuracy. Photorealism is a challenge. Being able, not only to recreate an image with accuracy, but to improve on it, is rewarding and fulfilling. I love the detail and accuracy required with this painting style.”
