About the Artist
Verna Brown is a self-taught artist based in Salmon Arm, BC, Canada. She began exploring art at a young age and enjoys dabbling with all mediums. Today, she paints from a deep personal need to add joy to her life—and creates with the intention of sharing that joy with others.
Her medium of choice is acrylic, through which she creates bold, vibrant wildlife scenes and custom pet portraits. Her style spans realism to abstract, with subjects ranging from animals to people—each infused with color, emotion, and personality.
Verna has completed several notable series, including the McAlpine Series, inspired by the photography of Shuswap photographer Ian McAlpine, and the luminous Glowing Guardians Series. Her creative journey has also led to expressive and character-rich collections like the Tea Series and Glamour Grazers—a celebration of feminine flair, unapologetic joy, and sassy spirit. These works are quickly gaining popularity and beginning to surpass her earlier Colour of Flight Series, featuring dragonflies and owls.
Since 2017, Verna has painted over 400 custom pet portraits, each uniquely crafted to reflect the personality behind the pet. She selects colors based on stories shared by pet owners, aiming to capture the soul—not just the image. As she puts it, “I paint personalities, not pets.” No two portraits are ever the same. Partial proceeds from each piece have supported animal charities across both the Fraser Valley and the Shuswap, making her work as meaningful as it is joyful.
Artist Statement
“Do What You Love" – Verna Brown
I paint to be happy. My work is full of wild colors and wild lines—because joy isn’t quiet, and neither is my art. The greatest reward is seeing someone smile when they take in one of my pieces. That moment of connection, of shared happiness, is everything.
I’m drawn to animals because they bring joy so effortlessly. Whether wild or domestic, they make us smile without asking for anything in return. Combine that natural charm with vibrant color, and you’ve got a happy hit—a piece that lights up a room and lifts your spirit. That’s my goal: to create art that makes you feel good.
While animals are my main muse, I’m endlessly curious and creatively restless. I want to paint every subject, try every medium, and cover every surface. So now and then, you might come across a piece that doesn’t look like my “usual” style. I’m not trying to confuse you—I’m just exploring. Like life, art should be playful, bold, and full of discovery. I encourage everyone to do the same.
Art Exhibitions, Shows, Markets and Public Works
2021 - “Identity” Group exhibit Hosted by Langley Arts Council :Langley BC
2021 - “Celebrating Arts and Culture in Langley City” Hosted By Langley City : Langley BC
2021 - “#HomeGalleryLAC Surprise Exhibition 2021” Hosted by Langley Arts Council : virtual exhibit
2021 - “Feature Artist” Solo show Hosted by Trading Post Brewery :Langley BC
2020 - “ArtsPacific” Juried group exhibit Hosted by Langley Arts Council : Langley BC
2020 - “Creatures” Group exhibit Hosted by Langley Arts Council : Langley BC
2020 - “Florals” Online group exhibit Hosted by Langley Arts Council. Virtual exhibit
2020 - “Belong” Group exhibit Hosted by Langley Arts Council: Langley BC
2020 - “Chiaroscuro” Group exhibit Hosted by Langley Arts Council : Langley BC
2020 - Pet Lover’s Show - Solo Exhibit. Pet Portraits Abbotsford BC
2020 - “Boobies and Wieners” Group exhibit Hosted by Hot Art, Wet City : Vancouver BC
2019 - “Art in the Tanks” Group exhibit Hosted by Trading Post Brewery : Langley BC
2019 - “Arts Alive Festival” Solo booth. Hosted by Downtown Langley Business Association
2019 - “Pet Lover’s Show” - Solo Booth, Pet Portraits
2019 - Painted Pet Murals for Surrey Animal Resource Centre: Surrey BC
2019 - “BC Yukon Regionals, Dog Championship” Solo: Pet Portraits. Langley BC
2019 - “Artist Demo” - Pet portrait demonstration and instruction:
Hosted by Port Coquitlam’s Art Focus Artists’ Association.
2019- “Artist Demo” Pet portrait demonstration and instruction:
Hosted by - Port Moody Arts Association
2019 - “Health and Wellness Show” - Solo Booth, Pet Portraits: Abbotsford, BC
2019 - “BC Kidney Foundation Gala” - Pet Portraits: Vancouver BC
2019 - “West Coast Women’s Show” - Solo Booth, Abbotsford BC
2018 - “Art Crawl Langley” Group Show Hosted by The City of Langley
2018 - “Pet Lover Show” - Solo Booth, Pet Portraits ,Cloverdale BC
2018 - “Arts Alive Festival” Solo booth. Hosted by Downtown Langley Business Association.
2018 - “The Power of Women is Infinite” 8ft x 40ft mural. Commissioned by Forever Yours Lingerie
in the Downtown center : Langley BC
2018 - “Empowering Selfie Mural” Commissioned by Forever Yours Lingerie
in the Downtown center : Langley BC
2018 - “My pet is so fetch” - International contest with Verna Brown Art Pet Portrait as one of the prizes.
Sponsored By Forever Yours Lingerie : featuring Pet Portraits
2018 - “BC Kidney Foundation Gala” Pet Portraits : Vancouver BC
2018 - “Art in the Vines” Group event Hosted by Township7 Winery: Langley BC
2017 - “Community Piano” Commissioned by the City of Cloverdale
2017 - “Excessively Female” Solo Exhibit Hosted by Forever Yours Lingerie : Langley BC
2017 - “Arts Alive Festival” Solo booth. Hosted by Downtown Langley Business Association.
Articles, News and Publications:
The Aldergrove Star - video interview
Langley Advance Times
Tri City News
https://www.tricitynews.com/in-the-community/pet-painter-at-next-art-focus-demo-3111610
Totally The Bomb
https://totallythebomb.com/heres-how-you-can-use-your-dogs-paw-print-to-make-art-while-stuck-inside
The Animal Rescue Site
https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/paw-print-art/
Diane Kennedy Fashion
https://www.dianekennedy.ca/blogs/news/tagged/shoplocal
Contact Me!
Please fill out the form and I’ll reply as soon as I can. For pet portrait enquiries, please go to the Pet Portraits page.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest news and updates.