Sunset Ecstasy - New Exhibition by Sheree Stewart

Opening May 22 at the Ladysmith Gallery, Sunset Ecstasy invites viewers into a vivid, emotional world where color, movement, and nature converge. Featuring new work by Ladysmith-based artist Sheree Stewart, the show celebrates the beauty of sunsets and sunrises—those moments that evoke awe, peace, and joy.

Deeply inspired by the ocean, waterfalls, and the ever-changing skies of the West Coast, Stewart’s paintings are immersive expressions of energy and feeling. Her process is intuitive and dynamic: layering saturated and unsaturated pigments, blending textures, and deliberately breaking traditional rules to allow each piece to evolve organically. The result is a series of moving seascapes and atmospheric works that aim to stir the soul and spark a sense of wonder.

Stewart describes her studio as “a riot of colours,” a place of both creative freedom and personal renewal. That spirit is embedded in every canvas. Her work is not only a visual experience but an emotional one—inviting viewers to feel the same sense of awe she experiences while painting.

An emerging artist with decades of creative exploration behind her, Stewart’s journey spans ceramics, folk art, and over 20 years working in watercolor, during which she exhibited and sold work internationally—from the Caribbean to Europe and Mexico. In recent years, she has embraced abstract realism in acrylics, bringing a renewed intensity and vibrancy to her practice.

Her path as an artist is also deeply personal. Following the loss of her husband in 2002, painting became a lifeline—a source of healing and purpose that continues to shape her work today. That emotional depth resonates throughout Sunset Ecstasy, giving each work of art a sense of authenticity and lived experience.

The exhibition will be held at the Ladysmith Gallery (Unit 7 - 32 High St, Ladysmith BC ,and will run from May 22 - 31, 2026. Open 7 days a week from 10 AM - 4 PM, visitors are invited to experience these powerful works firsthand—and perhaps find themselves moved in unexpected ways. Meet the artist and opening: May 23rd, 11 AM - 3 PM.