Elm Café Gallery

Sketches of "Little Cat"

I, Erika Olson have spent many hours at the “Little Cat’ in all seasons my whole life.When I saw the Story Walks in the Biosphere trail, I immediately thought how much I would love to combine my art with nature and put my paintings along the trail in the wooden boxes provided.I then asked if this was possible and I was given the opportunity to do so.I decided to sketch, draw and paint from the same place every time. I needed to pick a spot close by that would change frequently with the weather. Water and its reflection were top of my list. I chose a pond on trail #1 close by the Centre. I mainly worked from May through November 2025 and May 2026.Most of the sketches were completed in May, September and October. June is relentlessly green and buggy. I am away every July and when I return in August the little pond is choked with green algae. September and October are good months, the algae break up once more. November gets cold.The majority of the trees are coniferous so the fall colours were limited.Each sketch was completed quickly as a mere impression. I found ultimately that I preferred the chalk pastel as my set up for the oil paintings felt substandard and was somewhat awkward. Unfortunately chalk pastels have a more limited pallet.All pieces were done on site except for “Before the Rain” and “Cold November” which were done from photographs due to the weather.Whilst travelling in England, I came upon the Affordable Art Fair and thought it was a great idea. The works were especially aimed at first time art buyers as well as seasoned collectors. To reflect this idea, I am selling these works of original framed 12”x16” art at a very affordable price. You can view them at the Elm Cafe on 303 Montreal Street, Kingston. They are priced at a very affordable rate to reflect this.

Erika completed her BFA at Concordia University in 1997 concentrating on painting and relocated to Kingston to set up her art practice. She has had numerous solo and group exhibitions in commercial and public galleries and an artist-run centre.  She has had commercial and artistic success in traditional painting and pastel drawing and has equally demonstrated strength in conceptual work.
In 2015 Erika attended a six- week course in Banff, Alberta. The program was “Food Water Life” .
In 2024 she was awarded an OAC Grant for mid career artists.
Erika lives in Kingston and works full time in her studio on John F Scott Road.

Sketches of "Little Cat"  (September- November 2026)

The Elm Cafe, Open 7 days a week
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
303 Montreal Street
@theelmcafe