The Canadian Landscape Legacy 2026
The Canadian Landscape Legacy 2026: A Call to Artists
“Painting the Spirit of the Land.Creating a Legacy for Generations.”
Urban Art Studio 101 proudly presents the inaugural Canadian Landscape Legacy 2026, a prestigious national art competition celebrating the breathtaking beauty of Canada’s landscapes.
From the rugged coastlines, to the sweeping prairies, and majestic mountains, our nation’s land has long inspired artists to create timeless works of art. This event is more than a competition—it is an invitation to capture the spirit of Canada’s vast and varied terrains, beginning with Edmonton’s iconic River Valley.
We welcome both emerging and established artists from across the country to contribute to this living legacy and showcase their talent on a national stage.
A Call to Artists
The Vision
The Canadian Landscape Legacy honors the time-honored tradition of plein air painting while embracing the diverse artistic practices of today. It is an unparalleled opportunity for artists to gain national exposure, connect with a vibrant community, and compete for recognition in a landmark cultural event.
Competition Details
Categories
- Emerging Artists: For those in the early stages of their careers.
- Established Artists: For artists with significant experience and recognition.
Timeline
- Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026
- Finalist Notification: June 10, 2026
- Live Painting Sessions (Edmonton River Valley):
- Emerging Artists: June 15–21, 2026
- Established Artists: June 25–30, 2026
- Gala & Awards Ceremony: Early July 2026
Eligibility & Rules
- Residency: Open to all Canadian residents aged 18 and older.
- Medium: Oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, or mixed media.
- Originality: Artwork must be original and created solely by the artist.
- Live Painting: Finalists will complete a landscape “en plein air” in Edmonton’s River Valley within a 5-hour session.
- Artists must bring their own painting supplies and canvas.
- Easels, tables, and chairs will be provided.
- Recommended canvas size: around 18×24 inches (or a similar manageable size).
- Artists are encouraged to paint directly from the landscape—no photo references allowed during the session.
Awards & Recognition
Winners in each category will receive a prize package designed to advance their artistic careers, including:
- A prestigious plaque and certificate of achievement
- A comprehensive plein air supply package (premium easel, canvas set, and more)
- Exhibition opportunities at a respected Canadian gallery
- National media and social media promotion
(Future editions of the Canadian Landscape Legacy aim to include cash prizes as the legacy grows.)
All artists retain full copyright to their work. By participating, artists grant Urban Art Studio 101 the right to use images of the artwork for promotional and archival purposes.
Join the Legacy
This is your chance to become part of history—the first annual Canadian Landscape Legacy. Together, let us honor the landscapes that define us as Canadians and inspire generations of artists to come.
Will you help shape this national legacy with your vision?
