Ray Ward

Born in 1968 in Comox, B.C., Ray Ward studied commercial art at Capilano College before dedicating himself to fine art. Based in Nanaimo, he draws inspiration from the coastal landscapes of Vancouver Island. His paintings are known for capturing the fleeting light and atmosphere of the West Coast with precision and mood. Exhibiting since 1998, Ward’s work is held in private collections across Canada, the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia.Born in 1968 in Comox, B.C. and currently residing in Nanaimo, Ray spent a great deal of time outdoors in his youth and would often draw and paint after school. A future in art was never in question, and after high school he set his sights on a career in illustration. A graduate of Capilano College’s commercial art program, Ray decided after a brief period as an illustrator that it wasn’t the path he wanted to take. He soon changed his focus to fine art and has been displaying his work in galleries since 1998. His work can be found in private collections in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia and has been published in several magazines.

Vancouver Island has been his home for most of his life, and it never ceases to provide him with inspiration. The west coast in particular has grabbed his attention, from the rugged beauty of its rocky shorelines and weather worn trees, to the wide sandy bays and ever changing tidal pools, to the calm coves and estuaries. “I enjoy the challenge of trying to capture the effects of fleeting light and atmosphere, such as the drama of a passing storm or the radiance of a winter sky moments before the sun sets.”