Erik Vaartnou’s inspiration comes from ideas, concepts and issues that capture his interest. His paintings are visually appealing, featuring crisp abstract compositions, saturated colours and complex reflective surfaces created using acrylics and mixed media.
Erik is an Associate Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists (AFCA) and an Artist Member of the West Vancouver Community Arts Council and the North Shore Artists Guild. His artwork is included in various collections in the lower mainland and Vancouver Island.
Erik studied at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, earning a Fine Arts Certificate and a Painting Certificate. He also has Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Arts (Economics) Degrees. Born in Vancouver, he now resides nearby in West Vancouver.
Instagram: @erikvaartnou
Exhibitions:
- NSAG Winter Art Sale – Nov 2025
- Federation Gallery – Abstracted Exhibition – Nov 2025
- Federation Gallery – Medals Exhibition – Aug-Sep 2025
- Harmony Arts Festival – Group Exhibition – Aug 2025
- Federation Gallery – On the Edge Exhibition – July-Aug 2025
- NSAG Winter Art Sale – Nov-Dec 2024
- Federation Gallery – Signature Associate Exhibition – Aug-Sept 2024
- Harmony Arts Festival – Group Exhibition – Aug 2024
- Federation Gallery – On the Edge Exhibition – Jul-Aug 2024
- Federation Gallery – Abstracted Exhibition – July 2024
- Federation Gallery – Success! Fall 2023 Exhibition – Oct-Nov 2023
- Federation Gallery – Abstracted Exhibition – Sept-Oct 2023
- Harmony Arts Festival – Group Exhibition – Aug 2023
- Federation Gallery – On the Edge Exhibition – Jul-Aug 2023
- West Vancouver Community Centre – NSAG Spring Art Sale – Apr-May 2023
- Federation Gallery – Active Member Exhibition – Jan 2023
- CityScape Community ArtSpace – Anonymous Art Show – Dec 2022
- West Vancouver Community Centre – NSAG Winter Art Sale – Nov-Dec 2022
- Federation Gallery – Mixed Exhibition – Oct-Nov 2022
- Federation Gallery – Abstracted Exhibition – Aug 2022
- Harmony Arts Festival – Group Exhibition – Jul-Aug 2022
- Federation Gallery – On the Edge Exhibition – Jun-Jul 2022
- NSAG Spring Art Show Virtual Exhibition – Apr-May 2022
- Federation Gallery – Artists’ Choice Exhibition – Feb 2022
- Federation Gallery – Active Member Exhibition – Jan 2022
- Federation Gallery – Journey, FCA 80th Anniversary Exhibition – Nov-Dec 2021
- CityScape Community ArtSpace – Nov-Dec 2021
- NSAG Winter Art Show Virtual Exhibition – Nov – Dec 2021
- Delany’s Dunderave – Art from Ideas, solo exhibition – Oct 1 – Nov 23, 2021
- Federation Gallery – Retro Exhibition – Oct 2021
- Silk Purse Art Centre – Mar 2021
- Federation Gallery – Spotlight Exhibition – Mar 2021
- CityScape Community ArtSpace – Nov-Dec 2020
- The Art of Resilience Virtual Art Exhibit – West Van Arts Council Nov 2020 – Jan 2021
- Federation Gallery – Crisis Exhibition – Oct 2020
- Federation Gallery – Painting on the Edge Exhibition – Jul-Aug 2020
- Distant Together Virtual Art Exhibit – West Van Arts Council Apr 2020
- Silk Purse Art Centre – Feb-Apr 2020
- CityScape Community ArtSpace – Nov-Dec 2019
- Harmony Arts Festival – Aug 2019
- Silk Purse Art Centre – Feb-Mar 2019
- CityScape Community ArtSpace – Nov-Dec 2018
Publications and Other:
- Juror – Federation of Canadian Artists – 2024
- Juror – Federation of Canadian Artists – 2023
- Chair – West Vancouver District Public Art Advisory Panel – 2025
- Member – West Vancouver District Public Art Advisory Panel – 2024
- Member – West Vancouver District Public Art Advisory Panel – 2023
- On the Edge Exhibition Catalogue – July 2025
- On the Edge Exhibition Catalogue – July 2024
- Art Avenue Magazine – Winter 2023
- On the Edge Exhibition Catalogue – July 2023
- On the Edge Exhibition Catalogue – June 2022
- First Thursdays Art Talk – West Vancouver Community Arts Council – May 2020