Kari Duke

Now based in Ottawa, Kari Duke is known for her evocative urban landscapes that explore quiet, often overlooked corners of Canadian life. Her work captures the play of light, reflection, and seasonal change in back alleys, old fences, and familiar neighbourhoods. With a confident, painterly style, her paintings evoke a nostalgic charm while remaining rooted in the present. Duke’s scenes speak to a shared Canadian experience, resonating with viewers across the country.Kari Duke recently moved to Ottawa, ON, and is looking forward to painting the interesting houses she sees in her new town.
“I find the reflections in the puddles after a heavy rain or the play of light on the old fences to be an exciting subject matter. The naked trees in winter, the deep snow, and the simplicity of the old back alleys in changing seasons, is what draws me in time and time again.”

Kari Duke’s work is portrayed by many as nostalgic, and reminiscent of a simpler time. The colorful paintings have a fresh confident feel that captures the charm of an earlier era. The Canadian icon aspect of her work speaks to those not only in Alberta, but all across Canada.