“A Day in the Life” with: Calgary Visual Artist Afshan Khan

May 28, 2025 Cyra Darya Arts, Visual Arts

Afshan Khan is a self-taught abstract visual artist with over five years of painting experience, specializing in expressive landscapes and florals. Known for her use of bold colour and texture, she primarily works with a palette knife, a tool that allows her to build rich, tactile surfaces while preserving the distinct vibrancy of each hue. Her work captures the emotional essence of nature, balancing spontaneity with intention.

Based in Rockyview County, Alberta, Afshan runs a private Studio/Gallery where visitors can schedule appointments to view her diverse collection of original artworks.

Deeply influenced by the Canadian landscape, her art often reflects the changing seasons’ beauty, especially autumn’s warmth and brilliance. The dramatic skies at sunrise and sunset are also key sources of inspiration, frequently setting the tone and atmosphere of her paintings.

Afshan’s work celebrates nature’s textures and colours in a uniquely abstract style, offering both energy and serenity. In addition to her available pieces, she accepts commissions, working closely with clients to create custom artworks that reflect their vision while staying true to her expressive style. Whether through a single canvas or a commissioned piece, Afshan invites others to see nature through her vibrant, textured lens.

Afshan Khan
Dear Life, Resilience of Nature – This piece was juried into the Voices of the Wild collection by Three Sisters Gallery in Canmore, where it will be on display until mid May of this year. This work reflects my deep, almost gravitational connection to nature as an artist. Created with acrylics and expressive palette knife techniques, the piece features long, exposed roots symbolising nature’s incredible resilience and will to survive.
Afshan Khan
Colors of Fall – Fall is my absolute favourite season, and this piece reflects that love. The vivid contrast between a deep blue sky and the brilliant reds and golds of autumn leaves is always a sight to behold. Created with textured palette knife work, this painting was selected for the Leighton Art Centre’s 24th Member’s Collection, a true honour.
Cuncun, Mexico (2024) – My winter escape to Cancun always brings a creative recharge. I often bring my painting supplies along with me to capture the changing skies and tranquil energy of the beach. With the sunrises, sunsets, and ocean breeze fueling my imagination, real beach sand is used to add texture to the work, like embedding a little piece of paradise into the painting.
Just Chilling In My Studio – This is me featured in Airdrie Life magazine, proudly holding the issue where my artwork was chosen for the cover. Behind me hangs the piece itself, a tribute to Van Gogh’s iconic Irises. Inspired by his bold brushwork and vibrant palette, I aimed to channel his spirit in a way that felt both classic and uniquely mine.
Afshan Khan
Fall at the Lake – I’m thrilled to share that this piece was curated into the Square Foot Show by Julia Veenstra this year. Fall is one of my most inspiring seasons, full of energy and transformation. I used layered painting techniques to render a dramatic sky and brought in rich autumn tones with the palette knife to bring the foliage to life.
Afshan Khan
Abraham Lake In The Winter – Abraham Lake is an artificial lake in Alberta, famous not just for its vivid blue waters, but for its surreal winter phenomenon, the frozen methane bubbles trapped beneath the ice. This breathtaking sight inspires me to recreate its beauty on canvas. Six layers of paint and countless strokes with both brush and palette knife are used to capture the depth, motion, and wonder of this magical place.

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Which ’hood are you in?

I’m an abstract visual artist based in Rocky View County, Alberta—just a few minutes from CrossIron Mills. My work is all about exploring colour and texture, and I love the freedom that comes with using acrylics. They’re water-based, dry quickly, and allow me to layer and play with bold, expressive techniques.

What do you do?

I regularly exhibit my art at various venues around Calgary, including the beautiful Leighton Art Centre. Alongside creating, I’m passionate about sharing the joy of painting with others. I offer personalized art sessions, both one-on-one and group-based, designed to inspire creativity at any skill level.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I am keeping busy with commissions as well as preparing a private collection inspired by Thomas John Thompson (from the early 20th century), who is often associated with the Group of Seven Canadian artists. I am impressed by his bold brushwork, vivid colours and his interpretation of Canadian landscapes.

Where can we find your work?

You can catch a glimpse of my creative process and finished pieces on Instagram. If you’d like to see the work in person, I welcome visitors to my private studio/gallery by appointment.

 

About Cyra Darya 3 Articles
Cyra Darya is based in Hamilton, Ontario with an educational background in Urban Planning and Policy Analysis. When she is not busy with work, she enjoys writing, hiking and curating art works.
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