ABOUT THE ARTIST

Canadian Artist

Kelly Baskin is a hyper-realist artist based out of Toronto, ON. Baskin graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a minor in Art History from Queen’s University where she specialized in oil painting. In recent years, she has taken a special interest in Art Education and is passionate about the technology of artist's materials. She is currently working as Head of Fine Art Education for a FILA Group- Dixon Ticonderoga ART ULC, representing some of the world's leading Fine Art brands including Canson, Strathmore, Arches, Saunders, Bockingford, Daler-Rowney, Princeton and Maimeri.

Baskin works primarily as a commissioned-based Artist. Most well-known for her portraits of animals and pyrography.

“As long as people have made art, there have been portraits. Whether they were painted, sculpted, or drawn, portraits were something that was reserved for those important enough to be honoured with a work of art bearing their likeness. I find it fascinating how intimate it is to be looking at a portrait of someone you have never met and feel as if you know all about them. For that reason, whether it’s a human or an animal, I always pay special attention to the eyes- the most telling feature of a face."

Baskin hopes to continue to explore the relationship between the viewer and the painting in her own practice by creating work that will invite the viewer to connect with the painting through their own experiences and associations. Her work entitled, ‘Fleeting’ is the beginning of this series that will illustrate the fluidity of memories by incorporating various modes of mixed-media, mark-making, collage, and transparent/opaque layering in juxtaposition with her signature hyper-realistic style.

Baskin’s work has been exhibited and showcased throughout Canada including Vancouver, BC, and throughout Ontario: Toronto, Hamilton, Kingston, Vaughan, Aurora, Uxbridge, Newmarket, Ottawa. Her work entitled, “Jay” was awarded first place in the oil painting category by the Society of York Region Artists. “Jay” also received People’s Choice Award and is now housed in a private residency. “Presence of a Nightwalker” is currently exhibited in Magnotta Winery’s permanent collection and utilized for upcoming wine label artwork. 

Say Hey

kellybaskin.artist@gmail.com

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Supporting

Brands

Below are a few of the many brands I support as an artist. I encourage all you enthusiasts to do some research- think about why you like that same paint you've been using for the past decade. Then see what else is out there, and compare. Brand loyalty is important, but make sure you've got a taste for it all before you pick your final course. 

Visit my blog to learn more about the actual material make-up of products so that next time you shop for a product, you can make an informed decision based on what’s best for YOU