“A Day in the Life” with Calgary Artist Heather Kinahan

October 23, 2019 Admin Arts, Visual Arts

Heather Kinahan is a born and raised Albertan whose art is fresh, full of life and colour. Each of her paintings are unique as they seem to speak from her heart. Heather is such a generous person; she embraces life and fills it with the people and things she loves. Her paintings hold the same spirit. You only need to look upon her paintings to see the happiness her life holds. She is filled with inspiration and creativity to share with us all.

Heather discovered her passion for art through her love of learning. She believes in and models investing in oneself, as well as being a lifelong learner. Before becoming a fulltime acrylic artist, Heather spent the majority of her education career teaching young children with diverse learning needs. She contributes this role with keeping her young and playful at heart, along with eager to try new experiences and develop new skills. This is reflected in her motto, “Creating beyond the edges.” As Heather explores her creativity, she strives to live her best life, and in doing so encourages all around her to do the same.

I am blessed to have her painting, “Fall Brilliance,” adorned in my home. This painting brings me a sense of calm. It is my peaceful space that brings me into balance as I meditate in the morning. Her paintings are a gift; a special gift of her spirit. I feel honoured to know Heather. Her journey as an artist awaits and I look forward to seeing more of her completed works.
Christine – friend & collector

Heather Kinahan - Standing with my artwork at the Emerging Artists Showcase at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club – September 2019.
Heather Kinahan – Standing with my artwork at the Emerging Artists Showcase at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club – September 2019.
Heather Kinahan - Creating in my cozy corner in the basement family room. It’s not big in size, yet it’s where I spend a good portion of my day. I am thankful to share this space with my children, as I am often serenaded by their creative musical pursuits and involved in their conversations and humorous banter.
Heather Kinahan – Creating in my cozy corner in the basement family room. It’s not big in size, yet it’s where I spend a good portion of my day. I am thankful to share this space with my children, as I am often serenaded by their creative musical pursuits and involved in their conversations and humorous banter.
My family of Flames Fans!! I love this crew, they are my greatest blessing and always make me laugh. We can often be found watching and cheering on our favourite sports teams. Thankfully we tend to root for the same teams!
My family of Flames Fans!! I love this crew, they are my greatest blessing and always make me laugh. We can often be found watching and cheering on our favourite sports teams. Thankfully we tend to root for the same teams!
Exploring Lake Minnewanka with my nephew. I am grateful to have the beautiful Rocky Mountains a short drive away. A day in the mountains is always a good day, whether it’s throwing rocks in a lake, hiking up a mountain or strolling through the towns.
Exploring Lake Minnewanka with my nephew. I am grateful to have the beautiful Rocky Mountains a short drive away. A day in the mountains is always a good day, whether it’s throwing rocks in a lake, hiking up a mountain or strolling through the towns.
Stopped for a rest while biking the Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff this summer.
Stopped for a rest while biking the Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff this summer.
My favourite spot for morning coffee is this Adirondack chair in my own backyard. I can often be found reading here or quietly watching the everchanging Alberta sky.
My favourite spot for morning coffee is this Adirondack chair in my own backyard. I can often be found reading here or quietly watching the everchanging Alberta sky.
Heather Kinahan - My cozy reading spot indoors! I am a fan of all genres and typically have a large pile of “to read” books! Even though my kids are grown and I no longer work with young children, I still love children’s books. Spending time reading with children is always time well spent. Hence my other favourite reading spot… the Children’s Reading Place created by Calgary Reads.
Heather Kinahan – My cozy reading spot indoors! I am a fan of all genres and typically have a large pile of “to read” books! Even though my kids are grown and I no longer work with young children, I still love children’s books. Spending time reading with children is always time well spent. Hence my other favourite reading spot… the Children’s Reading Place created by Calgary Reads.
Heather Kinahan - I love to bake. Here I am whipping up some goodies for the week ahead, while trying to make sure my family doesn’t eat them before I get them stored away. They are all sneaky cookie thieves!!
Heather Kinahan – I love to bake. Here I am whipping up some goodies for the week ahead, while trying to make sure my family doesn’t eat them before I get them stored away. They are all sneaky cookie thieves!!

What ‘hood are you in?

I live in the NE community of Harvest Hills.

What do you do?

I am an acrylic artist. My paintings are inspired by nature’s landscapes, along with my love of colour, light and texture. Many of my paintings reflect places I have visited while travelling, as well as the landscapes I have grown up admiring.

I am also happily a mom of three busy teenagers, wife to Michael, avid reader, gardener, fan of sports, lover of music, explorer of nature and traveller whenever possible.

What are you currently working on?

I am presently working on pieces inspired by our summer travels to Nova Scotia and throughout the Rocky Mountains, as well as several commissioned pieces.

Where can we find your work?

My work can be found on my website www.heatherkinahan.com and on Instagram @heatherkinahanart

If you wish to see my art in person, I will be participating in the Leighton Art Centre’s Christmas in the Country sale, November 2nd-3rd and 9th-10th, 2019. My artwork will also be exhibited on the Leighton Art Centre Mini Salon Wall during the months of November and December.