Leanne Cusack

I’ve always been surrounded by flowers and I have always had a garden.

It’s where I feel my best, most peaceful and joyous.

Flowers are so strikingly beautiful, delicate, yet strong and resilient.

I cannot take my eyes off of the form, structure and shape of plants. There’s an energy—a buzz.

That’s the feeling I bring to my oil paintings.

When I paint I like to recreate that sense of wonder we all felt as children. Do you remember that feeling of being in a meadow surrounded by towering colourful blooms? Looking up in awe of the colour?

I spent much of my childhood in those meadows in rural Nova Scotia—exploring the forests, running through the fields and playing on the beaches.  There I discovered a true love of nature, of the landscape.

I often say I “grew up” on The Farm. For twenty years the beautiful Ottawa Valley countryside of Almonte and Pakenham, Ontario was home.  Everywhere I looked was a scene waiting to be put to canvas.  Breathtaking. The feeling of the farm garden fuels much of my work. Creativity is an incredibly peaceful escape.  Only the colours are loud.

I now live in the Gatineau Hills.  You certainly don’t have to look far for a stunning vista.  It’s easy to get lost in the beauty everywhere; in the fields, in the ditches, on the water and in those gorgeous hills.

Each season is drenched in its own light and colours.

My painting studio is very different from the TV studio where I have had the privilege of working for more than three decades.  Live TV is timed to the second. Precise. Busy.

At the easel, I lose all track of time.  It’s quiet, still, and meditative.  Pure joy.  It’s that joy I wish to share with you.

Welcome to my Chelsea, Quebec painting studio and garden, where I share my love of nature and art. Shot and edited by Joel Haslam.