Hello!
I’m Sheila
Ever since I was a child all I've ever wanted to do was draw and paint. Being able to do so for a living is an incredible blessing that I am continually thankful for.
I have completed the Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Arts Degree with Distinction from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and I also hold their Diploma in Graphic and Visual Design. I have spent the last 35 years painting murals, portraits and commissioned artwork for art collectors and commercial clients.
I also love painting for local Art Markets. If you would like to stay updated on upcoming markets, you can find me on Instagram @sheila.rae.vandelft.art, or have a look at my “Upcoming Markets” page.
I am a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, as well as the local chapter Fraser Valley Artists. I am also a member of the White Rock South Surrey Artists Society, the Arts Council of Surrey, and have been teaching Visual Arts at the high school level since 2008.
I grew up in Smithers in Northern BC in the middle of forty acres, and I now live in the country in Langley BC surrounded by forest, fields and gardens, with wildlife literally walking up onto our deck, so it’s no wonder I love to paint the natural world, God’s stunning creation.
Even as a young child, I was wonderfully supported by my parents in all my art interests. Every birthday meant more art and craft supplies, and they sent me to painting and calligraphy classes. They encouraged me in my university studies, both as a teen when I had to move away from home, and then again when I went for my Bachelor of Fine Arts as a mature student. They’re still my biggest fans!
In university I learned to paint in oils, but once I had small children and only had space to paint at the kitchen table, I starting painting in acrylics as a safer choice. It’s still my preferred medium, but I’ll sometimes switch to oils for portraits. As a high school Art teacher, I use acrylics in the classroom to teach my students, so it’s good that it’s a medium I know well.
My childhood home in Smithers with our great view of Hudson Bay Mountain.
Painted in 2024 for one of my daughters at her request as a reminder of our wonderful vacations there as she was growing up. 48x60 acrylic on canvas.
Awards and Honours:
Federation of Canadian Artists Awards
“Peace of Mind” won Honourable Mention in the Fraser Valley Chapter’s “Out of the Dark, Into the Light” Exhibition 2023
24x24 Acrylic on canvas
See COLLECTIONS to purchase
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“The Island” won Honourable Mention in the FCA 365 Online Exhibition and Calendar Contest 2023
It will also be the face of January 2024 on the FCA calendar!
30x40 acrylic on canvas
Private Collection
“It Was Supposed to be a Path Through the Woods” won Second Place in the Fraser Valley Chapter’s “Fresh Paint” Exhibition 2022, Surrey Art Gallery
31x47 Acrylic on deep canvas
Private Collection
“Rise and Shine” won Second Place in the Fraser Valley Chapter’s The Power of Colour Exhibition 2022, O’Connor Art Gallery
18 x 24 Acrylic on canvas
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“Two Cedars by the Well House” won Third Place in the Fraser Valley Chapter’s Spring Exhibtion 2021
Private Collection
“Maddy” won Third Place in the FCA 2020 Concept Exhibition
Private Collection
Artist of the Year
In 2004 I was awarded Artist of the Year by Trout Unlimited Canada with my painting “Autumn Echo” which they used in their fundraising efforts for the year.
See PRINTS to purchase.