Whimsical, Bold, & Playful
Based in the mountain town of Fernie, BC, Van is an oil painter known for her whimsical interpretations of landscapes and figures. She grew up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where she returns every summer to spend time by the coast and reconnect with home.
She began her art journey painting vibrant and playful figures providing a dreamlike, take-me-back-to-that-day kind of feeling. Whimsical in nature, she captures fleeting moments through movement and simple actions, leaving the detailed “real-life” depictions up to the photographers and portrait artists.
Her playful approach eventually expanded into landscapes, where her love of colour and imagination found a natural home. With bold colours, and expressive brushwork, her landscapes invite the viewer to pause, smile, and perhaps see a familiar place in fun, vibrant, bright colours.
Van’s work is meant to make you feel something simple: cheerful, amused, nostalgic, or just a little lighter than you were before.
Find available Van Colden Originals and see her previous work.
Some of Van’s originals are available as prints. These include illustrations and painted pieces.
Commissions are currently wait-listed. Get your name on the list here!!
More about Van, including a form to reach out with any questions.
Read short notes and news about my journey with art.
This is a password-protected page. If you are interested in carrying Van Colden Art, please reach out to Van at van@vancoldenart.com to view online. OR WHOLESALE with FAIRE.
These two posters have been designed to add your favourite skier’s name on them.
They are perfect for Christmas gifts. Imagine “Leo Jackson” hanging this beauty in his bathroom at university?
NEW!! For Christmas 2026
Deadline to order: Nov 15th to ensure enough time to order, print, and deliver before Christmas.
-
![]()
"L'Ile Verte"
-
![Oil painting of three kids on a chairlift.]()
"Little Shredders"
-
![Oil painting of bike sign posts in Fernie with the local trails.]()
"Decisions! Decisions!"
-
![Oil painting of the Griz reclined in the Fernie Alpine Resort ski hill]()
"Griz for the People"
-
![]()
"Catch me if you can!"
-
![Oil painting of mom pulling kids on skis with her ski pole.]()
"Super Mom"
-
![Oil painting of girl on a adaptive sit ski.]()
The Raddest Skier
-
![Oil painting of a boy doing a ski trick.]()
Mint, Mint, Peppermint
COMMUNITY NEWS: Van teams up with FMHA to elevate youth artists
Van has been working collaboratively with the Fernie Minor Hockey Association to celebrate emerging young artists in the surrounding area, providing a platform to showcase their work within the community while introducing them to the fundamentals of art licensing, ownership, and copyright.
Shya, a Grade 11 student, submitted her artwork as part of this initiative. Her artwork was selected as the featured piece for the 2026–2027 hockey season and has been incorporated into more than 350 awards recognizing tournament MVP and Heart and Hustle recipients throughout the season.
Shya enjoys experimenting with different mediums and creating artwork that is meaningful to both herself and others. When asked about her inspiration, she shared, “My inspiration comes from the area where we live. The colours and the scenery around me help inspire the colours that I chose for my artwork.” In addition to her love of creating art, Shya enjoys skiing, spending time outdoors, and being around animals.
Being selected as this year's Fernie Minor Hockey Association Featured Artist marks an exciting opportunity to share her artwork with a wider community. Looking ahead, Shya hopes to continue creating pieces inspired by the ranch and mountains, find more opportunities to share her art, and challenge herself with each new project.
CONGRATULATIONS SHYA!
ART NOTES
Where can I find Van Colden Art?
A selection of Van Colden Originals, Prints and Art Cards are now available at the Village Arts in Invermere, BC
A selection of Van Colden Originals, Prints and Art Cards are now available at the Fernie Arts Co-op in Fernie, BC
A selection of Van Colden Originals, Prints and Art Cards are now available in Nova Scotia! Be sure to visit the Scratch Eats on Isle Madame.
A selection of Van Colden Originals, Prints and Art Cards are now available at the Cranbrook Arts Gallery Shop in Cranbrook, BC
A selection of Van Colden Originals, Prints and Art Cards are now available at the Art Gallery of Golden, in Golden, BC
La Picasse, Centre Culturelle Acadien, proudly displays “Acadie Fort” and support Van Colden Art through local art initiatives.
Le Noir Forge in Arichat, NS, carries a selection of cards and prints.
Collaboration with Karma Campervans and their Artist Project.
This Inn on Isle Madame supports Van Colden art and has the “Cape Auguet” Print. Pop in to see it and be charmed by this incredibly beautiful space.
Collaboration with Black Dog to raise funds for Kimberley Volunteer Ski Patrol
You can find a selection of East Coast cards in Arichat, NS, at La Goélette à Pépé .
Art Gallery Kimberley will be closing its doors in September 2026. Thank you for being a key supporter of my art!!
