Meet the Artists of the Rideau Lakes Studio Tour

Kristi Bird is a wildlife artist whose work reflects a deep and attentive relationship with the natural world. Working primarily in acrylic, she creates luminous paintings that focus on birds and small animals, often surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of their habitats. Her work explores the subtle interplay of light, colour, and layered glazing techniques that allow each subject to emerge gradually from the surface of the painting.

Kristi’s process begins with careful observation. Time spent outdoors studying wildlife informs both the movement and character of the animals she paints. Through many transparent layers of paint, she builds depth and atmosphere, allowing the light within the painting to develop slowly and naturally.

Her paintings are known for their sense of stillness and intimacy. Rather than dramatic action, Kristi often captures quiet moments—a bird perched in thoughtful pause, or a small creature resting within the shelter of grasses or branches. These scenes invite viewers to slow down and notice the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

Kristi exhibits her work across Ontario and continues to develop her distinctive approach to wildlife painting, combining strong drawing, sensitive observation, and a deep respect for the animals and landscapes that inspire her art.

Mike Doxey is a ceramic artist whose studio practice centres on the ancient and captivating process of wood-fired ceramics. One of the oldest methods of firing pottery, wood firing allows flame and ash to move naturally through the kiln, leaving distinctive surfaces that make each vessel unique.

An honour graduate of the Ontario College of Art, Mike has spent decades exploring the relationship between clay, kiln, and landscape. Known for his careful craftsmanship and deep knowledge of firing techniques, he is widely regarded as one of the most experienced wood-firing potters working in Ontario today. His work has received numerous awards, including the Hey Frey Award from the Ontario Craft Council, and one of his ceramic murals is permanently installed in Japan.

Mike is a member of 260 Fingers and regularly exhibits at Art in the Park and other fine craft shows across Ontario. His work can be found in galleries including General Fine Craft, The Tipped Ship, Obsidian Gallery, and Riverguild. His studio practice was recently featured in The Humm, highlighting both his pottery and his contribution to the regional arts community.

Inspired by the waterways and rugged landscape of rural Ontario, Mike continues to explore new techniques while honouring the timeless traditions of ceramic craft.

Acrylics with special attention to the natural landscapes of Ontario.

 I never had the dream to become a lighting designer when I was growing up, I was the typical... Archeologist, Doctor, Teacher.  My family would be the first to say that they were not surprised by where the cosmos guided me though. I was always deconstructing and reconstructing things, drawing, whitling, scavenging... creating anything and everything I could get my hands on.  

My Grandparents were instrumental in allowing me the freedom to express.  They showed me that limits were only as good as I allowed, blow the roof off and see what happens. Luckily, my lamps have never actually done that. LOL

Designing lamps for a living started with decorating a room & becoming frustrated at the bland selection in lighting. I didn't want just a light in a room but rather something beautiful during the day & night.  So, I got the idea to make my own. After researching, learning and shadowing some amazing trades people, I finally had the tools needed to start. 

While building, I realized with every single piece I chose, painted, molded, stitched & glued...  a character took shape based on my past & the people who helped shape it. Each lamp is created with its own personality & story, which is why they are all named.

The Art house at 7 Drummond St, Newboro will be a space to show my work alongside with some of my favorite artist & creators. 

Robin Laffier is a contemporary realist painter who recently relocated from Hamilton, Ontario to the lakeside village of Portland in Rideau Lakes, where he has become a member of the Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association. Working primarily in oil on canvas, Robin is passionate about recreating historical scenes and transportation imagery with accuracy, atmosphere, and a painterly sense of colour.

His subjects range widely, from epic naval encounters and historic ships to railways, urban landscapes, and local rural scenes. Each painting begins with careful research, allowing Robin to build compositions that are rich in historical detail while still retaining the expressive qualities of a painting. Bold colour, strong composition, and attention to detail define his distinctive style.

Robin grew up in a home where both of his parents were artistically inclined and supportive of his creative development. Although largely self-taught, he has benefited from the guidance and camaraderie of many accomplished artists, including Ron Clark, Rick Cook, Conrad Furey, Bill Powell, Steven Arthurs, and John Stirling.

His work can now be found in both private and public collections. Since moving to Rideau Lakes, Robin has begun creating new paintings inspired by the striking landscapes, waterways, and historic character of his new home.

QUOTE

" I enjoy creating realistic images using bold colours and composition. I paint a diverse range of subject matter, including local scenes landscapes, transportation and historical images, fantasy; really what ever I feel is motivating me at the moment, I paint for myself first, and enjoy challenging myself to push the limits of my abilities, and expand them "

Wendy Lowe brings both a thoughtful eye and a playful spirit to her ceramic work. 

A former educator and course designer from Montreal, she made her way to Rideau Lakes in 2005, rediscovering clay later in life after first trying it as a child, a return she jokes came after “far too many wasted years.” Working primarily in cone 6 stoneware and porcelain, Wendy creates functional pieces that are as durable as they are expressive, designed for everyday use in the oven and microwave with careful attention to glaze. 

Her surfaces often begin in her sketchbooks, where a steady practice of drawing and doodling draws inspiration from the natural world, trees, birds, animals, and foliage, finding their way onto cups, bowls, and plates. Recently, she has begun exploring simple sculptural forms, expanding her practice while maintaining her deep connection to utility and home. 

With over 20 years of experience and now in her eighth season on the tour, Wendy finds particular joy in the moment her work leaves the studio, imagining her pieces in homes near and far, quietly woven into daily rituals. 

 Douglas MacDonald draws inspiration from the decorative stonework that adorns historic and heritage buildings. Gargoyles, Green Men, and architectural grotesques found on cathedrals and civic buildings throughout Europe and North America have long fascinated him, and they form the creative foundation of his sculptural work.

For more than twenty-five years Douglas has been sculpting and casting a wide variety of these expressive forms. Working primarily in cast stone and related materials, he creates pieces that echo the character and craftsmanship of traditional architectural carving while bringing his own interpretation to each figure. His sculptures range from whimsical gargoyles to richly detailed Green Men and other mythic faces drawn from the long tradition of ornamental stonework.

Douglas’s work reflects both an appreciation for historic building traditions and a desire to keep those forms alive in contemporary craft. Each sculpture begins as a hand-carved original before being carefully moulded and cast, allowing the details and textures of the carving to be preserved.

His work has received notable recognition, including commissions associated with Parliament Hill in Ottawa, where his sculptural expertise contributes to the ongoing tradition of architectural craftsmanship.

Visitors to Douglas’s studio can see a fascinating collection of gargoyles, Green Men, and grotesques that celebrate the enduring beauty of historic stone carving.

From a very young age, Alison May has been drawn to the natural world, finding a sense of calm and curiosity in time spent near water and within the forest. What began as a simple instinct to capture those moments gradually became a way of seeing, a practice rooted in observation, presence, and appreciation.

Splitting her time between the city and the Rideau Lakes, Alison returns often to her cottage at Chaffey’s Lock, where the landscape continues to inspire her work. Whether on foot or out in her kayak, camera always close at hand, she follows the shifting light and quiet rhythms of the lake.

Alison’s photography is guided by a desire to see things a little differently. Her images reflect a thoughtful perspective, where light, texture, and composition invite the viewer to pause and look again. Familiar scenes are gently transformed, offering a fresh and personal interpretation of place.

Her work is an invitation to slow down, to notice, and to reconnect with the beauty that surrounds us.

We are delighted to welcome Alison May to Stone Manor Studios.

Roberta McKinney began weaving in the late 1980s, and the challenges and opportunities for growth have never stopped. Working primarily with natural fibres such as wool, cotton, linen, silk, and various blends, she creates a range of functional textiles, including household items and clothing. Her work reflects both a deep appreciation for traditional weaving techniques and an ongoing curiosity about the possibilities of the loom.

Roberta works on several looms, ranging from a simple four-shaft loom to a sophisticated thirty-two-shaft computerized loom. This range allows her to explore both classic weave structures and more complex designs, continually expanding her skills and creative expression.

In 1993, she founded Maplecroft Studio, a weaving studio that has become both a personal workspace and a welcoming place for other weavers to gather and work. The studio provides an environment where ideas, motivation, and inspiration can flourish through shared learning and community.

Roberta has been an active member of the Kingston Handloom Weavers and Spinners aandthe Ontario Handweavers and Spinners since the mid-1990s. Through her weaving and her studio, she continues to celebrate the enduring beauty and versatility of handwoven textiles.

Andrew is an Ottawa-born artist who was raised on the Rideau Canal. His impressionistic landscape art focuses on interactions with the environment that surrounds and sustains us, using visual media to weave together the chapters or moments of our life story. His inspiration is drawn from iconic scenes near his family cottage at Davis Lock. These scenes are the central theme that allows him to explore his past, present, and future.

"Every summer and most weekends, for as long as I can remember, I have immersed myself in nature along the Rideau Waterway, its parks, and trails—literally planting myself in a scene and waiting for the perfect moment to capture on canvas. This has impacted my life in immeasurable ways, and it will always be central to my artistic expression." ~Andrew

I have been a creator all of my life. I live in the Rideau Lakes area, which I totally love, and I am a full-time painter now.

I love doing my artwork.  All around me are places I can paint.  

I do mostly architectural work in very bright colours.

I hope you like some of my work .

Barbara’s deep connection to nature and art has led her to settle near Chaffey’s Locks, where the landscape continues to inspire her creative practice. She spends cherished time at a cottage on Indian Lake that has been in the Monaghan family for over a century. Today, Barbara and her young family live in the historic Delong Schoolhouse just outside Elgin, where past and present meet in a truly meaningful way. Within this unique setting, Barbara’s studio, DreamscapesRideau.ca, is nestled in the loft of the original schoolhouse. Here, she creates fused-glass work and fine art that reflect tranquillity and refinement while also evoking a sense of playfulness and curiosity, much like a warm summer day.

Professionally, Barbara works as an Education Worker, sharing her artistic talents with children and nurturing creativity in the classroom. Her commitment to community is evident through the presence of her artwork in many local schools, where it continues to inspire young minds.

Glass fusion itself is an ancient art form, requiring both technical precision and creative vision. The process involves specialized glass that can withstand forming, cold working, and kiln firing at temperatures reaching up to 1,499 degrees Fahrenheit. Barbara has developed a particular passion for screen printing on glass, a technique that blends artistry and chemistry. By combining glass powders with fixatives, she creates intricate inlay images that become part of the glass itself, a process that takes years to master.

Visitors are invited to experience this work firsthand at her studio on the schoolhouse property, where the beauty of process and place come together.

 Shaun Seaman began painting in 1993 and, now in retirement, enjoys the opportunity to devote more time to his artistic practice. Working primarily in watercolour and acrylic, he has also explored pastel and encaustic techniques. His paintings often focus on florals and the quiet beauty of lake landscapes, reflecting a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Before turning more fully toward painting, Shaun worked as both a physical educator and a Presbyterian minister. Today he and his wife, Heather, spend their summers at their cottage in Chaffeys Lock, where they enjoy time with their three adult children, grandchildren, and friends. The peaceful surroundings of the Rideau Lakes continue to inspire much of his work.

Shaun’s studio is known as Seaman’s Haven, and his artwork can be found on Instagram at Art by Shaun.

John Shea grew up in Montreal and later settled in the countryside north of Kingston, where the historic stone architecture of Eastern Ontario became a central inspiration for his work. After studying at L’École des Beaux Arts in Montreal and at Syracuse University, John went on to teach Visual Art for twenty-five years in Perth, Ontario, sharing his knowledge and passion for art with generations of students.

John’s paintings focus on the distinctive nineteenth-century stone buildings that define much of Eastern Ontario’s rural landscape. Working primarily in watercolour on paper mounted to canvas and sealed with an acrylic matte finish, he creates luminous images that celebrate both the craftsmanship of the original builders and the quiet strength of these enduring structures.

His compositions are known for their thoughtful use of negative space, which draws the viewer’s eye directly to the subject while allowing the surrounding openness to suggest atmosphere, memory, and imagination. Through this balance of presence and simplicity, John captures the essence of place.

John exhibits throughout Ontario, including at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg. His work continues to honour the permanence and integrity of the region’s historic stone architecture and the artisans who built these beloved landmarks.

Havery Shultz is a wood-burning artist and painter whose work explores the natural patterns and possibilities found within organic materials. For nearly two decades, she has been immersed in the art of pyrography, discovering images and intricate designs hidden within the grain of her wooden canvases.

Her creative process often begins by studying the wood itself. The shifting lines of the grain suggest movement, shapes, and patterns that guide the development of each piece. Through careful burning and subtle washes of colour, Havery transforms these natural surfaces into richly detailed works of art.

Always curious and eager to experiment, she continually explores new techniques, subjects, and materials. Recently, she has been drawn to the flowing forms of paisley, weaving swirling lines and complex patterns into her woodburnings. These designs move organically across the wood's surface, enhanced by soft layers of colour that unify the piece.

More recently, Havery has also begun working with leather. The supple surface and the way the material responds to heat allow her to create remarkably lifelike leaves and feathers. Her studio reflects this ongoing exploration, filled with tools, colours, and materials that support a lively and evolving creative practice.

Look what crawled out of the woodwork …

Ted Stewart’s award-winning wildfowl sculptures celebrate the birds of Ontario. Each piece is individually carved from wood, sometimes left in the natural grain with subtle abstraction, but often painted with remarkable realism so that the birds appear to drowse quietly or stand poised as if ready to take flight.

In addition to carving, Ted paints on canvas, creating works that portray wildlife and the environments they inhabit. At times, his paintings also explore more imaginative visions and dreamlike interpretations of the natural world.

Ted was one of the original artists on the Rideau Lakes Studio Tour when it began in 1999, and he continues to be a beloved part of the tour today. Over the years, he has served as Artist in Residence in several national parks, and his work has been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles, as well as on an episode of Regional Contact on CTV Ottawa.

Today, Ted also shares his knowledge as a judge at woodcarving competitions across Eastern Ontario. Recently, he has taken up birding with great enthusiasm, photographing Ontario’s bird species and deepening his connection to the subjects that inspire his work.

Visitors to Ted’s studio can enjoy woodcarving demonstrations throughout the weekend.

 Doris Van Den Brekel is a painter whose work is guided by curiosity, experimentation, and a deep engagement with colour and materials. While her creative practice extends into ceramics, textiles, and beading, painting remains the form she returns to again and again.

Doris holds an Honours degree in Fine Art from the University of Guelph and spent fifteen years as an educator at the Art Gallery of Ontario, where she developed a strong appreciation for both historical and contemporary art practices.

Since settling in Rideau Lakes in 2020, her work has become increasingly shaped by the natural world around her. She is drawn to shifting palettes, evolving patterns, and quiet, unexpected moments of beauty.

Doris creates artworks in paint and clay that capture the elements of light, texture, movement, and colour in the natural environment. Through an intuitive approach to mark-making across a range of media, her work reflects a deep connection to nature and place.

Doris Van Den Brekel is exhibiting in the Blue House at 35 Maplecroft.