Janet Moore

As an avid hiker, biker, and snowboarder, I draw direct inspiration from the landscapes I inhabit and explore. These experiences inform my vibrant, expressive paintings, which aim to capture both the energy of a place and my personal connection to the natural world. 

I often work en plein air—simply meaning “painting outside”—creating directly from life whenever possible. Painting outdoors allows me to fully immerse myself in a location while observing light, colour, and atmosphere firsthand. Using oil paint on canvas, I produce loose, impressionistic responses to the landscape that feel immediate, intuitive, and emotionally resonant. Have you ever taken a photograph and wondered why it doesn’t look as beautiful as what you saw with your own eyes? Photographs tend to flatten light and miss the true essence of a place. For me, painting tells a more honest story. 

Back in the studio, I use my plein air studies as references for developing larger, gallery-scale works. My paintings can be found in galleries and shops across Canada, including Elevation Gallery here in Fernie. 

I was born and raised in Ontario and have maintained a lifelong interest in art and design. Growing up surrounded by original paintings and drawings—many created by my great- grandfather and father, both artists—deeply influenced my creative path. I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged creativity, ensuring there was never a shortage of art supplies in our home. 

I graduated from George Brown College in Toronto with a diploma in Graphic Design, where I developed a strong foundation in fine art disciplines such as life drawing. With a growing interest in typography, I continued my studies in the Graphic Sign Design program, completing an additional two years focused on the art of hand lettering and earning a second diploma. 

This past summer, I returned to Fernie after spending three years on Vancouver Island and one year in Canmore, Alberta. While I deeply missed the Rocky Mountains during my time on the coast, Vancouver Island became an integral part of my artistic development, allowing me to paint outdoors year-round and significantly refine my process and style. 

Now happily settled back in Fernie, I live near Mt. Fernie Provincial Park, which provides endless inspiration. I can often be found painting near Island Lake Lodge and Fernie Alpine Resort, either solo or alongside fellow artists. Urban landscapes also play an important role in my work, inspired by Fernie’s historic downtown and its hidden yet vibrant back alleys. 

If you happen to come across me painting on location, I may be accompanied by my blue-eyed canine sidekick, Marlie— plein air pup in training. I genuinely enjoy connecting with people and am always happy to chat about my work, my process, and what drew me to that particular scene. 

Upcoming shows include a solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of Kimberley from April 2–26 and a plein air exhibition at Cranbrook Arts from April 18–30, alongside artists Anne Anderson and Melanie MacVoy. 

You can see Janet’s work on her website janetmooreart.ca or head to her Instagram @jan.mooreart, facebook @Janet Moore.art or contact her by email hikebikenboard@ gmail.com.