Brenda Matsen

SFCA - Signature Member

Preferred Medium:

Pastel & Oil

Artist Bio:

BRENDA MATSEN, MPAC, SFCA, AFC, SCA

Representational artist specializing in pastel and oil art capturing the unique spirit of animals. An invitation to pause, reflect, and find a deeper connection to the living world.

Brenda Matsen is an international award-winning artist specializing in wildlife and animal realism through pastel and oil. Growing up on a farm in northern British Columbia, Brenda developed a lifelong passion for observing animals in their environments. After a 30-year career in health care, she relocated to Vancouver Island in 2018 to focus entirely on painting the natural world.

Working from her own reference photos, Brenda captures the unique spirit of wildlife across western Canada. She holds prestigious master and signature designations with major Canadian art societies and Artists for Conservation. Working from her own reference photos, Brenda captures the unique spirit and character of western Canadian wildlife. She holds prestigious . A dedicated conservationist, she actively supports wildlife rehabilitation by donating a portion of her proceeds to MARS Wildlife Rescue in the Comox Valley.

Artist Statement:

My artwork is an invitation to pause, reflect, and find a deeper connection to the living world. Specializing in pastel and oil, I strive to capture the unique spirit of animals and the fleeting moments that define our experience of nature.

Growing up in rural British Columbia fostered my deep fascination with wildlife and their environments. Every piece I create begins in the field, working from my own reference photographs taken during my travels through Western Canada. Through a realistic approach, I aim to freeze a moment in time, creating an opportunity for the viewer to step closer, experience the animal's world, and appreciate the fragile environment we share. For me, art is not just about representation—it is a tool for conservation and a reminder to protect the wilderness that inspires us.