Brian McRae is a West Coast visual artist working primarily in acrylics. His subjects range from landscapes and cityscapes to figurative works, portraits, still life, wildlife, and birds. Living beside the Salish Sea has awakened in him a deep curiosity about the coastal landscape and the abundance of life that thrives along its shore.
At the heart of each painting lies a story—sometimes a clear narrative, other times a simple emotion or quiet reflection. His creative process begins with a central idea, shaped through preparatory sketches and palette choices, and continues to evolve on the canvas. Every element—colour, texture, shape, and contrast—is chosen to support that underlying story.
Brian’s painting style is impressionistic, vigorous and physical. He builds each surface with bold, layered strokes using stiff brushes over dry underpainting. This method lends a rich texture and dimensionality to a medium often seen as flat.
Though rooted in his own life and observations, Brian’s work is not a fixed statement. Instead, it invites viewers to engage personally—to reflect, interpret, and find their own meanings. His paintings are not conclusions, but an invitation to discuss — designed to stir emotion, spark thought, and connect through shared human experience.