“A Day in the Life” with: Visual Artist Erin Bell

July 1, 2026 Emilea Semancik Artist Profiles, Arts

I am proud to say that one of the most naturally gifted artists I know is also my incredible sister. Growing up in a family of artists, creativity was always part of Erin Bell’s life, and painting has always been where her heart truly lies.

With oils as her primary medium, Erin finds her inspiration in the forests, rivers and landscapes found across Canada. By combining her love of kayaking with her passion to paint, Erin captures beauty and quiet moments she finds in nature and permanently displays them on canvas for all to enjoy.

Over the past year, Erin has stepped outside her comfort zone and taken the exciting leap of turning her passion for painting into a career. Her love of art is evident not only in her own work but also in the way she shares it with others.

Through her in-person classes, Erin brings a contagious joy for painting as she helps fellow artists build confidence and develop their skills. With every brush stroke, Erin captures the beauty and connection she experiences in nature. It’s the same beauty and connection that I hope you experience when admiring her work.

-Written by her sister

Erin Bell
I began teaching workshops and paint nights last year, and it quickly became one of my favourite things to do. It always inspires me to see the spark of creativity in others, and have the opportunity to help it develop and grow.
Erin Bell
I’m often found in my kitchen baking and making food for my family and friends, or because I found a new recipe, or because I have ingredients to use up. Basically, any old reason will do! 
The days I live for are the days I get to paint! This piece is so large I actually painted it on-site because it was too big for my studio. Wherever I am, if I’m painting, it’s a good day.
In the summer, I try to get out in my kayak as often as I can. It’s a great way to visit the quiet places and spend some time in nature alone or with family and friends.
Several times a year, I recruit help to set up at an art show or festival. Here I am with my Dad setting up my booth at a show last fall. I’m so grateful for all my nearest and dearest who have been incredibly supportive…it’s one of the reasons I bake things for them! I meet so many great people at these shows, and I usually do some live painting at my booth just for fun.
This is my little studio after coming home from a show! It’s really just a bedroom that I completely took over. I spend a lot of time shuffling things around to make space where I need it, but it works. Painting is the ultimate goal, but getting set up and packing/unpacking from shows is a big part of the process too!
Erin Bell
My work is on display at Kathleen Crosby Gallery in Winnipeg, and when the doors are open, I’m often there. The first Friday of every month, many galleries in the Exchange District open their doors for First Fridays, and we have a great time welcoming visitors to our space. Such a fun, friendly atmosphere.
Erin Bell
Spending time with my husband and travelling throughout Canada is one of my favourite ways to gather inspiration. It’s so important to my work that I get out and explore our beautiful landscapes, and he’s my partner on every adventure.

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Which ’hood are you in?

Kleefeld, Manitoba

What do you do?

Anything and everything creative and artistic! I’m a landscape artist primarily, but I also love to exercise my creativity in many other ways. I am an avid baker and cook, so I love spending time in the kitchen and feeding family and friends.

I’m always finding new creative outlets. I play the piano, knit, and have even dabbled in making things out of concrete and theatrical make-up!

When I need inspiration, I only have to go outdoors. Throughout the year, when I’m not creating, I’m out spending as much time in nature as I can, and drinking in the beauty that fuels my work.

What are you currently working on?

At the moment, I’m working on a commissioned piece and preparing for upcoming shows this fall.

My latest works focus on warm summer days and nights, using bold, inviting colours. The warmth of a glowing bonfire, the deep, lush green of the boreal forest, and of course dramatic summer skies.

I’m even starting to work on some new fall pieces full of vibrant reds and yellows. Even though the season brings colder weather, the colours of these images always feel warm to me, and are some of my favourites to paint.

Where can we find your work?

My work is currently on display at Kathleen Crosby Gallery, 2nd floor, 63 Albert St., Winnipeg. Open to the public on the first Friday of every month, 5-9 pm, and by appointment.

You can always find my current inventory on my website.

Upcoming events:

August 1-2, 2026: Sioux Narrows Arts Festival, Sioux Narrows Ontario
August 21-22, 2026: Beauhead Arts Fest, Beausejour Manitoba
October 16-18, 2026: Scattered Seeds Craft Market, Winnipeg, Manitoba

 

About Emilea Semancik 33 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: @ancestral.foods
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