Katharine Burns is a painter whose large-scale, immersive seascapes are apt to make viewers smell salty air, hear crashing waves, and feel cool dashes of ocean spray while standing at the water’s edge.

Katharine Burns, a Nova Scotia-born artist, earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from NSCAD University in 2009. Renowned for her evocative portrayals of the ocean and coastal themes, she captures the essence of water, skillfully crafting immersive, lifelike scenes that spill across the canvas with mesmerizing intricacy. Her pieces have found homes in private and corporate collections across Canada, the United States, and Europe, testament to their universal appeal. Today, she draws inspiration from her coastal roots, creating from her studio in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.

She finds solace and inspiration in the rugged coastal landscapes of her home Province. Amidst crashing waves and serene seascapes, she uncovers her muse, skillfully capturing on canvas the very essence of the ocean. With a profound connection to her subject matter, Katharine infuses her paintings with authenticity, evoking a visceral response in viewers.

Guided by her innate fascination with the rhythmic ebb and flow of the sea, she immerses herself in studying its intricacies, closely observing its colours, textures, and ever-changing moods. Through patient observation and well-honed technique, she replicates the ocean's subtleties, aiming to evoke serenity and wonder. With every brushstroke, she endeavours to transport viewers to the ocean’s shores, igniting a deep appreciation for its majestic presence. Her artwork, often showcased on expansive canvases, envelops spectators, immersing them in a sensory experience of the sea’s dynamic temperament. From wild waves that surge with a tumultuous energy to tranquil seascapes that evoke a sense of serenity, each painting captures a unique facet of the ocean's character. Her work stands as a testament to nature's influence on an artist's creativity, inspiring appreciation for the ocean's allure and emphasizing the importance of cherishing and protecting our natural wonders.I find endless inspiration in the ever-changing moods of the ocean. My work is a reflection of my deep love for the natural world, and my desire to capture the beauty of my surroundings through my art.

“My paintings are realistic depictions of the sea, created using a rich palette of oil paints that allows me to capture the subtle shifts in colour and light that occur as the ocean moves and changes. I am drawn to its serene and peaceful moments as much as its wild and tumultuous ones, and my work reflects the range of emotions that come from being in its presence.

The ocean—like nature as a whole—embodies a few fundamental contradictions that reinforce its enduring power and mystery. It is constant, familiar, and fruitful—in so many ways—to the human species. Yet it can intimidate and excite with its power—a uniquely dynamic environment. These contradictions live in my work, as I have developed an especially refined appreciation for the ocean’s different sides—though I often emphasize its positive, enlivening qualities.

For me, painting is a way to express my connection to the natural world, and to share that connection with others. My hope is that my work will inspire a deeper appreciation of the beauty and power of the ocean, and a greater awareness of the need to protect and preserve this precious resource.”