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.
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"L'Ile Verte"
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![Oil painting of three kids on a chairlift.]()
"Little Shredders"
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![Oil painting of bike sign posts in Fernie with the local trails.]()
"Decisions! Decisions!"
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![Oil painting of the Griz reclined in the Fernie Alpine Resort ski hill]()
"Griz for the People"
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"Catch me if you can!"
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![Oil painting of mom pulling kids on skis with her ski pole.]()
"Super Mom"
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![Oil painting of girl on a adaptive sit ski.]()
The Raddest Skier
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![Oil painting of a boy doing a ski trick.]()
Mint, Mint, Peppermint
NEWEST PIECE: 'L’Ile Verte’
16 × 24, Oil on gallery wrapped canvas
I grew up in a very small town—an island on an island on an island. Off the coast of Cape Breton, you'll find a little place called Isle Madame. It's a stunning corner of the world, shaped by the sea.
If you drive to the very end of the very last island, you'll see yet another tiny island in the distance. Reaching it isn't easy. The only way there is by boat, and only if you know someone willing to take you. The waters are exposed, dotted with shallow, rocky stretches that can be treacherous if you don't know the route. You have to know where you're going.
From across the water, you can still make out the lighthouse standing watch over the shoreline. And if you're fortunate enough to get closer, you'll discover the remnants of an old homestead—a reminder of the people who once called that remote place home.
If you’re from Isle Madame, you know.
This piece is now available at Scratch Eats Market on Isle Madame.
Where can I find Van Colden Art?
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.
Art Gallery Kimberley will be closing its doors in September 2026. Thank you for being a key supporter of my art!!
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 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.
Collaboration with Karma Campervans and their Artist Project. Live the “van life”and find some art work, including Van Colden pieces, on their van walls.
Collaboration with Black Dog to raise funds for Kimberley Volunteer Ski Patrol
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.
Le Noir Forge in Arichat, NS, carries the Acadian poster “Les Patois de L’Ile Madame” which is now sold out online.
You can find a selection of East Coast cards here! If you’re on the High Road, in Arichat, NS, pop into La Goélette à Pépé and have a look!