Glenn Olson

 

"Wildlife or nature art has, in essence, the esoteric quality of a fine symphony or an abstract painting.  This art form is almost always allegorical - it tells about a time past, a time present, a time to come, the progression of a season, the wheel of life in its varied forms."  

Glenn Olson

 

Born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan in 1945, Glenn was raised in a rural setting.  His 

family farmed & ranched near the Great Sandhills - a geological formation rich in scenery & wildlife.  This provided a backdrop for his prolific childhood artworks.  After graduating with a degree in psychology from the University of Saskatchewan, Olson taught school in Calgary, Alberta while studying art & literature at the University of Calgary.  In 1985 he left teaching to focus on his flourishing art career.  He continues to live in Calgary, where he works in his home studio and explores the western landscapes for inspiration.

 

Recognizing that artistic preference is a personal decision, Olson comments that "Most people who choose art do so because of a certain feeling that the art evokes.  In each painting, I strive to create that magical element".  As such, his work is not restricted to a specific niche of subjects.  Rather, images are chosen based on their ability to inspire this talented artist.  This versatility has resulted in the development of an exceptionally diverse portfolio, featuring scenes of wildlife, birdlife, western art, and children.

 

As a recipient of local & national awards, Olson's status as an artist has been well recognized.  In 1991, Olson won the prestigious Ducks Unlimited Duck Stamp competition for the province of Alberta.  One year later, Olson was presented with the very exclusive Canada 125 medal for his contributions to Canadian community & culture.  He won both the Collector's Choice & Best of Show awards at the 1993 Calgary Exhibition & Stampede Art Auction for Young Albertans - Foals.  He again enjoyed a dual victory at that show 1994 with Stuck on You, winning the Artist's Choice & Collector's Choice awards.  1997 saw Olson win the Collector's Choice Award with Wings & Wonder.  In 1998, Olson's Front Row Seats was the Ducks Unlimited Sponsor print.  For 2003, Duck's Unlimited chose five of Olson's images for their national art portfolio.

 

The artist's work resides in numerous notable private & corporate collections.  His work appeared in an exhibition of Western Canadian artists at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC.  Olson has also exhibited in several juried shows, including the Vancouver International Art Show, the Pacific Rim Art Show, as well as numerous appearances at the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede's Western Art Show & Auction.

 

In 2000, Olson journeyed to Africa, where he toured many major game parks in Kenya.  This experience has, and will continue to add a new dimension to his work.