The Canadian Landscape Legacy 2026
The Canadian Landscape Legacy 2026
Urban Art Studio 101 proudly presents the inaugural Canadian Landscape Legacy 2026, a prestigious national art competition celebrating the breathtaking beauty of Canada’s landscapes.
From the rugged coastlines, to the sweeping prairies, and majestic mountains, our nation’s land has long inspired artists to create timeless works of art. This event is more than a competition—it is an invitation to capture the spirit of Canada’s vast and varied terrains, beginning with Edmonton’s iconic River Valley.
We welcome both emerging and established artists from across the country to contribute to this living legacy and showcase their talent on a national stage.
About Us
A Call to Artists
The Vision
The Canadian Landscape Legacy honors the time-honored tradition of plein air painting while embracing the diverse artistic practices of today. It is an unparalleled opportunity for artists to gain national exposure, connect with a vibrant community, and compete for recognition in a landmark cultural event.
Meet Our Esteemed Judges
We are honored to welcome a diverse panel of artists, educators, and creative professionals who bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and artistic insight to this year’s competition. Their dedication to the arts and commitment to supporting emerging talent help make this event truly special.
Dr. Nina Paulovicova
Dr. Nina Paulovicova is an Associate Professor of History at Athabasca University, a feminist, and an activist whose research explores Eastern Europe, genocide, and identity politics. Her work examines historical contexts and challenges narratives that marginalize communities and promote exclusionary ideologies.
Alongside her academic and advocacy work, Nina is a mixed-media artist who uses creative expression to explore themes of power, place, memory, and belonging. Drawing inspiration from her background as a historian, she approaches art as both a refuge and a catalyst for dialogue. Through her work, she creates spaces where multiple identities, perspectives, and histories can coexist and engage in meaningful conversation.
Brian Greenall
Brian Greenall is a Classical Realist artist whose primary medium is oil painting, while also working in pastel, charcoal, and watercolour. Originally from England, Brian immigrated to Canada in 1977 and has maintained a lifelong passion for the visual arts.
His artistic journey began through photography, where he developed a deep appreciation for light, composition, and storytelling. Building on this foundation, he expanded into drawing and painting, eventually dedicating himself seriously to his artistic practice in 2019.
Today, Brian’s work focuses on capturing the world with accuracy, emotion, and thoughtful composition. His paintings reflect both the beauty of his subjects and the stories they represent. Brian has studied painting through courses and local studios, exhibited work at local art events, and has had paintings accepted into exhibitions including the Edmonton Art Gallery and the Night of Artists Big Art Exhibition. He is currently a member of the Night of Artists (NOA).
Leila Zolfalipour
Leila Zolfalipour is an Edmonton-based visual artist originally from Iran. Her multidisciplinary practice explores identity, belonging, and the connections between cultural heritage and the natural world through painting, sculpture, and digital media. Drawing inspiration from Persian motifs and weaving traditions, her work reimagines themes of memory, place, and cultural narrative.
Leila holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction from the University of Alberta and is a Juried Member of the Alberta Society of Artists. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and has earned numerous accolades, including an Edmonton Arts Council Individual Grant, the Elizabeth Ann Burgess Award for Contemporary Arts, and the 2024 Alberta Culture Days People’s Choice Award. She has also contributed to the arts community as an assessor, consultant, and juror.
The Canadian Landscape Legacy
Canadian Landscape Legacy 2026
Competition Details
Categories
- Emerging Artists: For those in the early stages of their careers.
- Established Artists: For artists with significant experience and recognition.
Timeline
- Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026
- Finalist Notification: June 10, 2026
- Live Painting Sessions (Edmonton River Valley):
- Emerging Artists: June 15–21, 2026
- Established Artists: June 25–30, 2026
- Gala & Awards Ceremony: Early July 2026
Eligibility & Rules
- Residency: Open to all Canadian residents aged 18 and older.
- Medium: Oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, or mixed media.
- Originality: Artwork must be original and created solely by the artist.
- Live Painting: Finalists will complete a landscape “en plein air” in Edmonton’s River Valley within a 5-hour session.
- Artists must bring their own painting supplies and canvas.
- Easels, tables, and chairs will be provided.
- Recommended canvas size: around 18x24 inches (or a similar manageable size).
- Artists are encouraged to paint directly from the landscape—no photo references allowed during the session.
Awards & Recognition
Winners in each category will receive a prize package designed to advance their artistic careers, including:
- A prestigious plaque and certificate of achievement
- A comprehensive plein air supply package (premium easel, canvas set, and more)
- Exhibition opportunities at a respected Canadian gallery
- National media and social media promotion
(Future editions of the Canadian Landscape Legacy aim to include cash prizes as the legacy grows.)
All artists retain full copyright to their work. By participating, artists grant Urban Art Studio 101 the right to use images of the artwork for promotional and archival purposes.
Join the Legacy
This is your chance to become part of history—the first annual Canadian Landscape Legacy. Together, let us honor the landscapes that define us as Canadians and inspire generations of artists to come.
Will you help shape this national legacy with your vision?
Partners & Sponsors
Partners & Sponsors
The Canadian Landscape Legacy is proudly founded and presented by:
Urban Art Studio 101
Edmonton, Alberta
We welcome sponsors, galleries, cultural organizations, and community partners to help build this national legacy.
