A Love Letter and More!

Winter Barn Victoria at a C.A.C. Exhibition Victoria with Rion at Swintons

Barn in Winter: A Love Letter to My Roots By Victoria Zyluk

Winter Barn | Beyond Art -Victoria

Oh, this painting—Barn in Winter—it’s more than just brushstrokes on canvas. It’s a piece of my heart.

I grew up on a farm in rural Ontario, where winters were both harsh and magical. The barn you see here? It’s inspired by the one I used to sneak into as a kid, bundled up in layers, cheeks red from the cold, boots crunching through the snow. That barn was old even then—weathered, creaky, and full of stories. I remember watching snow pile up on its pitched roof, the way the light danced across the frozen fields, and how the silence of winter made everything feel sacred.

When I painted this, I wanted to capture that quiet reverence. The kind of stillness that only comes when the world is blanketed in snow and the sky is a brilliant, icy blue. I used soft pastel hues and textured brushstrokes to evoke the gentleness of the season, even in its coldest moments. That little patch of grass peeking through the snow? It’s hope. It’s resilience. It’s the promise that spring will come again.

This painting is my way of saying thank you—to the land that raised me, to the barn that stood strong through decades of storms, and to the winters that taught me how to find beauty in stillness.

I hope when you look at Barn in Winter, you feel a little of that magic too.

Exciting News: Calgary Art Community Exhibition & Sale – November 15! By Victoria Zyluk

I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’ve been accepted into the Calgary Art Community Exhibition and Sale this November 15! 🎉 This isn’t just any show—it’s a juried exhibition, which means I had to submit my work to be carefully reviewed and selected. That makes this invitation feel extra special, and I’m honored to be part of such a talented group of artists.

This show is a celebration of creativity, connection, and community—and I can’t wait to showcase some of my newest pieces, including works inspired by my rural Ontario roots and the quiet magic of winter landscapes. If you’ve seen Barn in Winter, you know the kind of stories I love to tell through paint.

Earlier this year, I had the joy of participating in the Calgary Art Community Mosaic Exhibition at The North American at Spruce Meadows. That experience was unforgettable—meeting fellow artists, connecting with collectors, and feeling the energy of a space that truly celebrates artistic expression. Now, I’m ready to bring that same spirit to this next chapter.

If you’re in Calgary or nearby, mark your calendar! Come by, say hello, and immerse yourself in a day filled with art, inspiration, and maybe even a few surprises from my studio. I’ll be there with my brushes, my stories, and a heart full of gratitude.

Let’s make November 15 a day to remember 💫

🎨 Studio Notes: Why Are Art Supplies Getting Pricier? October 1, 2025 – Paint Drops Newsletter

If you’ve noticed your favorite paints, brushes, and papers creeping up in price lately, you’re not alone. Many artists across Canada are feeling the pinch—and it’s not just inflation. A wave of new tariffs and trade tensions are reshaping the cost of creativity.

Earlier this year, the Canadian government introduced a 25% retaliatory tariff on certain U.S.-made art materials, including artist paints and brushes. This move was in response to broader trade policies coming out of Washington, which have affected everything from aluminum packaging to organic pigments sourced from China1. Even brands that manufacture in the U.S. but rely on Chinese components—like brush handles or pigment bases—are seeing cost increases.

For Canadian artists, this means that beloved brands like Daniel Smith, Strathmore, Gamblin, and Speedball may now carry a heavier price tag. And while some European brands remain unaffected, the ripple effect through distributors and supply chains is making it harder to find consistent pricing.

The good news? Canadian artworks are currently exempt from U.S. import tariffs, thanks to cultural protections in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). So while our materials may cost more, our ability to share and sell our work across borders remains strong—for now.

As artists, we adapt. We mix smarter, stretch our supplies, and support local shops when we can. But it’s also okay to acknowledge the challenge. After all, every brushstroke carries not just pigment, but persistence.

 Imperial Garden 

Imperial Garden | Beyond Art -Victoria