Jessica Vergeer is a contemporary Canadian landscape artist based in Parry Sound, Ontario. Born in southwestern Ontario, her love for textiles led Jessica to Canada’s east coast where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD).
After finishing her studies at NSCAD, Jessica moved to Toronto to pursue a career in fashion design. In 2004 Jessica moved to the Parry Sound area with her now husband and business partner Dan. It was here that the stunning landscapes of cottage country inspired her to expand her artistic horizons and take up painting in earnest. Today Jessica spends most of her workday in her painting studio, creating new work based on her experiences boating, hiking and exploring the landscapes of Muskoka and Georgian Bay.
With a keen eye for light and colour, Jessica’s paintings are both strongly expressive and impressionistic, leaving the viewer with a sense of the power and energy of the landscape. From bold and dramatic skies to sparkles of sunlight dancing on water, Jessica’s work often evokes strong emotional responses from viewers who share a love for these same landscapes. Each year, Jessica also produces a number of commissioned paintings, taking the amazing photos supplied by clients and expressing them in her powerful and unique style in acrylic on canvas.
In 2016 Jessica opened a studio, gallery and dress shop in downtown Parry Sound. Known by its street address – 18 James Street – this space not only displays Jessica’s original paintings but also prints, fashion and décor products based on her artwork. While the storefront location is seasonal in nature, new work is posted for sale via the shop web site and social media channels as completed. Jessica’s original art can also be found in a variety of businesses throughout Muskoka and Parry Sound, and in the summer months she is a regular participant at outdoor markets and art shows.
Each year Jessica also teaches a number of step-by-step painting classes to groups of budding artists interested in learning more about her approach to landscape painting, but most importantly finding joy and having fun in the process.
When she is not busy in her studio Jessica enjoys hiking, traveling, spending time with her family, and exploring the waterways of Muskoka and Georgian Bay by boat. Her love of exploration and experiential connections to the landscape form the foundation for her paintings and are the basis for what she lovingly refers to as “the adventure of art”.