“A Day in the Life” with: Calgary Visual Artist Christine Normoyle

Christine Normoyle had a love of everything creative ever since she was a little girl. Her favourite things when she was young were her dog, Peaches, and her sketchbook. People were amazed at the creations she made even as a very young child (even then, it was always animals) and she only got better and better the older she got. It seemed to be innate in her.

Upon graduating, she decided to go into more of a business direction for a career but returned to her artistic pursuits in 2018. Many fell in love with the little creatures she was creating and soon family, friends and friends of friends wanted to buy her work. And so it began when she started having a real focus on art as a career. I was recently at an exhibition where Christine was showing her latest pieces and I loved seeing the reactions of people viewing all her creations. They were all so taken with the expressions, character and soul she is able to capture and I marvel that she’s self-taught. I always look forward to what she will create next!

-Written by S. Herman, partner

Christine Normoyle
Christine’s piece “Even Wolves Love Sunbeams” Inspired from a visit to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary.
Christine Normoyle
Christine’s humorous piece “Don’t Look Up”
The Artist visiting her muse.
Christine’s gentle piece titled “A Mother’s Love”
Owl’s are one of Christine’s favourite subjects. Her piece “Baby Owl” is based on a little owl she visited while touring the Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale, AB.
Christine was honoured to have been awarded the belt buckle for Best Of Show for the gallery at the Calgary Stampede Western Art Show for 2024.
Christine Normoyle
Christine’s studio featuring her “studio assistant” Ellie.
Christine Normoyle
One of Christine’s bear pieces

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Which hood are you in?

We currently live in Wildwood SW which we absolutely love. The community is full of artists/artisans and small business owners and is right on the Douglas fir trail which is a great spot to take a hike and get in touch with nature. I’m also thrilled I now have a studio dedicated to creating. In our last house, I took over the dining room as my studio (gratitude to my very patient and understanding husband!)

What do you do?

I’m an Animal Artist who uses Pastels as their medium to capture the character and soulfulness of the animals around us; big, small, furred and feathered!

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently enjoying a little rest after a busy Christmas season. Soon I’ll turn my attention to creating new work for upcoming 2025 exhibitions & shows. This is my favourite time as anything is possible, I can just let my inspiration lead…

Where can we find your work?

I just finished showing at Art Market in the Telus convention centre. Heading into 2025 I plan on taking part in the Calgary Artists studio tour in May (which was a blast last year), the Stampede Western Art Showcase, The Federation of Canadian Artists Calgary shows (when I’m able), various Gallery exhibitions and I also sell direct from my studio and website. People can follow me on Instagram/Facebook to view my newest work and to be kept informed of upcoming events and exhibitions.

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About Emilea Semancik 172 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: