Paintings That Convey A Mystical Process

Peter N. Van Giesen, peternvangiesen.com, creates dramatic paintings known as “Capturing Nature’s Eternal Aura”. They convey a majestic grandeur that encompasses sky, sea and land with exuberant contrast and harmony. His versatile paintings depict seascapes, mountains, pathways and  forest scenes, inspired by the natural beauty of British Columbia where he resides. Peter states, “My style hovers between representation, impressionism with a dash of abstract.”

All rights reserved. Do not reproduce images without the artist’s permission.

Interconnectedness, acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 32″

Peter was raised in Ontario and has created art since he was a child. He completed university degrees in Psychology and Religion, so it is no surprise to read his statement, “Creating art, for me, is a mystical process, a spiritual work, and an exercise of creativity. I am drawn to the mystery that is implicit in the natural world.”

Heaven’s Point, acrylic on board, 12″ x 16″. This painting was featured in “The Healing Power of Color” 2024 Invitational Exhibition.

His art is found in many corporate collections, and in private collections in North America, the United Kingdom, Asia and Europe. A career highlight occurred in 2019 when one of his artworks was added to the permanent collection of the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Government House.

Samuel Island and Saturna, acrylic on canvas, 11″ x 14″

In 2020 Peter was juried into the Summer Show and also the Winter Show, in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. He also served as the Curator and a participating artist in the Art Show held at the Union Club of British Columbia. In 2020 he was also the Curator and Co-coordinator of the Artist in Residence Program at Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA. He is also a participating artist in that program.

Glorious Spring, acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 36″

Peter received an Award of Excellence in “Art That Lifts Our Spirits” presented by The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS (HPAA) website, an initiative of Manhattan Arts International. It’s purpose is to promote art as a catalyst for healing individuals, society and the environment and its ability to bring positive change. Peter is also a member of the curated art gallery.

His art has also been selected for several online exhibitions in the HPAA online gallery that include: “The Healing Power of Art Inspired by Nature” 2024 Invitational Exhibition; “The Healing Power of Elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire” 2023; “The Healing Power of ART: Resilience 2022”;  and “The Healing Glow of Pink”. 

One of Peter’s paintings was selected for “The Healing Power of Art: Love, Peace, Unity & Hope” 2023 juried exhibition and the cover art for the exhibition video presented on the Manhattan Arts International YouTube channel.

Glorious Twilight, acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 36″

Peter is also an avid boater and enjoys going kayak exploring the Pacific Northwest gulf islands. He states, “I feel more spiritually alive when outside. When I paint it is if the veil of the common life is momentarily lifted allowing me to be embraced by the underlying essence of the universe. Sporadic surges of energy percolate past my consciousness. I reach into the fabric of the world to explore the dynamics of tension and elasticity, creating images based on the interplay between darkness and light, to capture the interconnected aura of the natural world.”

Peter is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and has had many exhibitions including those at The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 4 Art Studio Exhibit Gallery, Central Art Studio & Gallery and the Victoria Arts Council Gallery.

Banner image: Springtime Sailing, Early Morning Breeze, acrylic, 23″ x 33″.

Visit Peter Van Giesen’s Website peternvangiesen.com

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