About Mitch Gillick
Born and raised in Ontario, my work explores the rhythm, emotion, and light of the Canadian landscape. Painting primarily in oil, I use strong colour and confident brushwork to convey the movement and energy I feel in nature rather than to depict it literally. The process is intuitive and immediate.
Each painting begins with direct observation or, more commonly, a photograph I’ve taken while exploring the lakes, forests, and coastlines of Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. From there, I reconstruct the landscape through imagination, layering expressive strokes and vibrant hues until the image feels alive. My goal is to capture not just how a place looks, but how it feels.
My aesthetic draws on the Fauvist tradition and the expressive landscape language of the Group of Seven, particularly Arthur Lismer and Arthur Shilling, both of whom influenced my family and continue to inspire my approach. I’m drawn to their belief that nature is not a static subject but a living force to be interpreted through colour and gesture.
Working alla prima, I let the paint remain visible and honest with edges, outlines, and brushmarks forming a kind of rhythm on the canvas. The result is a body of work that celebrates the vitality of the landscape and the emotional connection that binds us to it.
A little more about me...
A little more bout me: most people are surprised to learn I paint. Art has always been a big part of my life. Fun fact: Arthur Lismer (Group of Seven) was actually my dad’s art instructor for a bit!
In high school I took every art class I could, then went on to major in studio fine art at UofT while also studying human biology. I even took a bunch of courses at OCAD. I was one credit short of a BA on top of my BSc, but vet school came calling. I graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2001. Fast forward through multiple internships in the USA and a small animal surgical residency in Saskatoon, I’m now an "ortho bro" and the owner of Fuzzypaws Mobile Surgery providing mobile surgical services around the GTA.
However, art never left me as I’m also an avid photographer (volleyball, pets, landscapes, cars). In 2024 I finally jumped back in at a painting seminar with one of my favourite artists, Gordon Harrison, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Oils were new to me, but I fell in love right away. These days I spend most of my time with a scalpel in hand—but I swap it for a paintbrush whenever I can. Hope you enjoy my work (and brief bio!)
FAQ
What is your art style?
Mitch Gillick’s paintings blend expressive colour, bold brushwork, and simplified form to capture the rhythm and emotion of the Canadian landscape. Rooted in the traditions of the Group of Seven yet influenced by modern expressionism, his work transforms familiar scenery into vibrant compositions that balance structure and spontaneity. Each piece invites the viewer to feel the movement, light, and spirit of place rather than simply observe it.
Do you offer prints?
Where can I buy?
What is your process?
Can I commission work?
I am based out of Orillia, ON. Local picked in Orillia or Toronto is available. Please contact me directly for shipping options and prices.
Yes, please contact me to discuss what you are looking for!
Yes, prints of my work can be made upon request
I start with a sketch of photographs I have taken. From there I sketch directly on the canvas, outline in india ink and then the fun begins!