Margaret Halsey, artist

The translucent softness of Margaret’s watercolors portrays the sensitivity of the artist.

The personality and spirit of each animal is captured in her portraits.

To view her work call 604 537 9976 to schedule a visit to her studio in her home in New Westminster.

Margaret paints in several mediums including watercolour, acrylic, pastel, pencil and inks.

The free flowing form of her work is a unique style she has developed through years of training and experience. The translucent softness of her watercolours portrays the many moods and sensitivity of the artist.

Her animal drawings show her deep connection with all creatures, capturing the spirit and personality in each portrait.

Margaret Halsey was born in Berkhamsted Hertfordshire England. The family moved to Toronto Ontario, Canada when she was 9. Her interest in art started early in life as she was inspired by her very talented father, the late Herbert Joseph Halsey. Her early works were in black and white inks, and oils. She became much more interested in watercolours in the early 70’s.

Margaret has also been influenced and affected by other significant people and circumstances in her life. Her move to Edmonton Alberta and her travels in the province brought on a prolific period of work. In the early 80’s she moved to Vancouver and continued to be inspired by the Western North American scenery and wildlife. The late 90s to early 2004 was a slower period for her as her mother Mary was slowly taken from her by the cruel and degenerative Alzheimer’s disease that ended with her death in 2001, and the sudden death of her father in 2002.  During this time Margaret also developed her interest in animal portraits. Her three dogs were very willing subjects. The deaths of her oldest two dogs in 2004 and 2005 hurt her deeply and yet at the same time contributed to the spirituality and deepness of her more recent works.

Her search for truth within herself is revealed magnificently through her art.

Margaret’s paintings are part of many private and corporate collections throughout Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Her exhibits have included the Arts Club Theatre lounge at Granville Island Canada, various cafes and galleries in and around Vancouver, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, Maple Ridge and Terry Fox libraries.

As well as her originals, her work includes the limited edition reproduction of her painting Duncan Cove.

The original Duncan Cove was created on a gloomy day on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. It had been raining for hours and it appeared that it would never let up. For Margaret, the rain dramatized the colour and the beauty of the area. Using her own style, and soft flowing pastel hues, she was able to see beyond the darkness of the day.

Margaret’s originals range in price from $50. for miniatures to $5,000. for her larger works. Her limited edition is also available at $95. unframed.

All original works of the artist are sold privately through her company Rachel Art, a division of Halsey Management Ltd.

Margaret’s work can be viewed at her home and studio at 329 Devoy St in New Westminster B.C. by appointment only.

Telephone at 604 527 9976   e mail at clephadij@shaw.ca