About

Erica Neumann, born in 1968 in Toronto, Canada, is an esteemed contemporary painter currently based in Okotoks, Canada. Specializing in oil and acrylic, Neumann is best known for her vibrant semi-abstractions of bears, wildlife, and local scenery – a testament to her deep connection with the untamed landscapes of Alberta bear country in the Foothills and the adjacent Canadian Rockies. Her distinctive style incorporates heightened colour and broad strokes, with backgrounds often crafted from sketches en plein air.

Neumann’s work is characterized by her signature style. With each bold stroke, Neumann shares her deep appreciation and love for the natural world, seamlessly blending a reverence for classical fine art traditions with a contemporary sensibility. The paintings become vibrant narratives that echo her passion for the local wildlife, inviting viewers to explore the intricacies of the ecosystems she holds dear. As a true aesthete, Neumann’s work is evidence of her unwavering commitment to capturing and celebrating the inherent beauty that surrounds us. Her distinctive style, recognized by many, serves as a visual journey through the landscapes she cherishes, inviting others to share in her admiration for the sublime and the delicate balance of nature.

Erica Neumann’s contributions to the art world extend beyond her studio. Her notable exhibitions include “Take a Walk on the Wildside” and “Bears: Imagination and Reality” at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff, Canada, as well as the international invitational exhibit “A Timeless Legacy: Peace Parks” at the Hockaday Museum, Kallispell, USA. Her works can be seen in esteemed public collections, such as the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, the Bow Valley Ranche Permanent Outdoor Art Gallery, and the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Additionally, Neumann’s pieces grace various private national and international collections. Neumann’s impact extends beyond imitation, making her a noteworthy force in the dynamic landscape of Canadian contemporary art.

EDUCATION

1992, University of Guelph, (English, Art History)

1990, Ontario College of Art (Diploma – Fine Art)

EXHIBITIONS
2023, The Joy of Colour (group exhibition), Gallery 421, Kelowna, CA

2023, 235 Smaller Works Show (group exhibition), FoR Gallery, Whitefish, USA

2023, Christmas Show, (group exhibition), Gallery 421, Kelowna, CA

2023, Joy (group exhibition), Art on 9th Gallery, Invermere CA

2022, A Timeless Legacy: Peace Park (group exhibition), Hockaday Museum, Kallispell, USA

2022, 235 The Smaller Works Show”(group exhibition), The Frame of Reference Gallery, Whitefish, USA

2021, 235 The Smaller Works Show (group exhibition), The Frame of Reference Gallery, Whitefish, USA

2021, Open Studio (with W.J. Bradley and Meagan Lauren, Neumann Studio, Okotoks, CA
2021, Represented by Art on 9th Invermere, Invermere, CA

2020, Glitz & Glamour 2: Art Runway Show (group exhibition), Avens Gallery, Canmore CA

2020, 235 The Smaller Works Show (group exhibition), The Frame of Reference Gallery, Whitefish, USA

2019, 235 The Smaller Works Show (group exhibition), The Frame of Reference Gallery, Whitefish, USA

2019, Represented by Lineham House Galleries, Okotoks, CA

2019, The Fall Show, (group exhibition), Gallery 421, Kelowna, CA

2018, The Christmas Show (group exhibition), Gainsborough Gallery, Calgary, CA

2018, A Timeless Legacy: Peace Park 2018 (group exhibition), Hockaday Museum, Kallispell, USA

2018, February Showcase (group exhibition), Gainsborough Gallery, Calgary, CA

2018, The Swintons Show (group exhibition), Art on 9th Gallery, Calgary, CA

2017, People’s Portrait Prize (group exhibition), Calgary, CA

2017, The Christmas Show (group exhibition), Gainsborough Gallery, Calgary, CA

2016, Sweet Little Somethings, (group exhibition), Gainsborough Gallery, Calgary, CA

2016, Represented by Crystal Lodge Gallery, Whistler, CA

2015, Christmas Show (group exhibition), Gainsborough Gallery, Calgary, CA

2015, The Wild (3 person exhibition), The Avens Gallery, Canmore, CA

2015, Represented by White Dog Gallery, Whistler, CA

2014, Represented by The Hampton Gallery, Kamloops, CA

2013, Represented by Gallery 421, Kelowna, CA

2013, Masterpieces Show (group exhibition), Gainsborough Gallery, Calgary, CA
2013, Three Men and a Lady (group exhibition), Gainsborough Gallery, Calgary, CA

2012, Masterpieces Show ( group exhibition), Gainsborough Gallery, Calgary, CA
2012, The Christmas Show (group exhibition), Gainsborough Gallery, Calgary, CA
2012, Represented by Gainsborough Gallery, Calgary, CA

2011, Calgary Home and Design Show, Calgary, CA
2011, Represented by The Avens Gallery, Canmore, CA

2011, Disegno (group exhibition), Neumann Gallery and Studio, Okotoks, CA
2009, Light Up the Night (with W.J. Bradley and Cheryl Taylor), Neumann Gallery and Studio, Okotoks, CA
2009, Take A Walk on the Wildside (solo exhibition), The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff, CA

2008, Rage Against Beige ll (group exhibition), Okotoks Art Gallery, Okotoks, CA

2007, Erica Neumann and Curtis Golomb, Neumann Gallery and Studio, Okotoks, CA
2007, Rage Against Beige l (group exhibition), Okotoks Art Gallery, Okotoks, CA

2006, The Plein Air Collection, (with Doug Swinton), Neumann Gallery and Studio, Okotoks, CA
2006, Art for Cabins, (solo show), Neumann Gallery and Studio, Okotoks, CA
2004, Live Your Dream, (solo show), Neumann Gallery and Studio, Okotoks, CA
2004, presentation of painting to Barbara Bush, Calgary Board of Education, Calgary, CA

2003, The Source (group exhibition), Num-Ti-Jah Lodge , Icefields Pkwy, CA

2003, artist residency, Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, Icefields Pkwy, CA
2003, Lake Louise Bear Awareness, Lake Louise Ski Lodge, Lake Louise, CA

2001, Bears: Imagination and Reality (group exhibition), The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff, CA

1999, The Hospital Show (group exhibition), Canmore Hospital, Canmore, CA

1997, The Summit Cafe (menu boards), Canmore, CA

1997, The Bear Convention, Canmore, CA

1997, Canmore Artists and Artisan’s Guild (group exhibition), Canmore, CA

1997, Open Studio, (solo exhibition), Canmore, CA
1996, Canmore Artists and Artisan’s Guild (group exhibition), Canmore, CA

1994, Represented by the Sunny Raven Gallery, Canmore, CA

1993, Diverse City (group exhibition), Sponsored by the Canada Council, Toronto, CA

1991, Co-owner, The Surface Gallery, Toronto, CA

1986 – 1990, Open House (group exhibitions), The Ontario College of Art, Toronto, CA

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Jane Lytton Gooch, Bow Lake, Wellspring of Art. Rocky Mountain Books, 2010. (included in)

Erica Neumann and Dawn Sprung, Spirit of the Wild: A Lyrical Colouring Book. Heritage House, 2016. (featured)

Hockaday Museum, A Timeless Legacy: Peace Parks (exhibition catalog), USA, 2018.

COLLECTIONS

Alberta Children’s Hospital, NICU, Calgary, CA
Aquitaine Tower, Calgary, CA
Barbara Bush, former First Lady (gift commissioned by Sprung Instant Structures), USA
Bow Valley Ranche, Artisan Gardens Project, Calgary, CA
Canmore Folk Festival (stage backdrop), Canmore, CA

Canmore Medical Building, Canmore, CA

Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, Icefields Pkwy, CA

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

2022, Dalt Hinman Award for Best Painting , Priddis Millarville Fair, CA
2019, judging committee, Calgary Stampede Art Scholarships, Calgary, CA

2015, Featured Artist, UNICEF Water for Life Gala, Calgary, CA
2009, People’s Choice Award for Best Artist, Bronze. Okotoks Western Wheel, Okotoks, CA

1988, Eric Friefeld Award for Figure Draughtmanship, Ontario College of Art, Toronto, CA