I’m Iwona Barylska, a Canadian-based oil painter working primarily with animals.
My paintings include both individual portraits and group scenes — pets, farm animals, and everyday moments I notice and want to keep. I paint slowly, by looking and adjusting, letting the character of each animal show itself as the work grows.
Alongside my animal work, I also create small-format still life paintings of food and simple objects. These pieces are playful, colourful, and made to be collected — a way of celebrating everyday joy through paint.
My work has been recognized in international juried exhibitions, including a Top 100+ selection in the 4th Annual Animal Portraiture Open (USA) and an Artistic Excellence Award from Fusion Art International. My paintings are held in private collections in Canada and the United States.
Alongside my studio practice, I work as an art educator with children and youth and continue to exhibit in juried shows in Canada and internationally.
Below is a selection of juried exhibitions, awards, and
milestones from my recent work.
These exhibitions range from local shows in
British Columbia to international juried calls and online exhibitions.
Artistic Excellence Award – Dominion (36”×48”)
Finalist – Black Rooster (24”×18”)
Exhibition live October 2025 | Archived 5 years
www.fusionartps.com
Fusion Art
Merit Award – for outstanding artistic achievement
Featured artworks: Dominion, Black Rooster, The Social Cows, The Social Ducks
www.artroomgalleryonline.com
Art Room Gallery
Certificate of Merit – Black Rooster (24”×18”)
Finalist – Dominion (36”×48”)
Exhibition live October 2025
www.portraitsocietyofcanada.com
Portrait Society of Canada
Surrey, BC | Jul 26, Aug 23, Sept 13, 2025
Displayed original oil paintings and pet portraits at community art events.
www.cloverdale-ae.ca
Cloverdale Market Days
Vancouver, Washington, U.S.A. | August 1 – 3, 2025
Exhibited work: “The Social Cows” (juried selection)
www.vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com
Vancouver Arts & Music Festival
Chilliwack, BC |
Aug 9 – 10 2025Participated in live painting demonstration – “Pig Portrait” in progress.
www.chilliwackfair.com
153rd Chilliwack Fair
Langley Arts Council, Main Hall Gallery, Aldergrove, BC | Sep 25 – Nov 17 2025 | Awards Ceremony: Oct 11 2025
Exhibited works: The Social Cows, Black Rooster (juried selection)
www.langleyarts.ca
ArtSpacific
Langley Art Rentals and Sales Program, Canada | Oct 25 – Nov 2026
Works: The Social Cows, The Social Sheep, The Social Chickens, The Social Ducks
www.langleyarts.ca/ars
Art Rentals and Sales Program
Coquitlam, BC |
Nov 15 – Dec 19, 2025Exhibited works: Eight miniature 2”×2” animal paintings (juried selection)
www.lapetiteplacedesarts.ca
Positively Petite – Place des Arts
ArtSpot YVR, Vancouver, BC |
Nov 20 – 23 2025Exhibited series: 12”×12” and 2"x2"
www.under100artshow.com
Under $100 Art Show
