Masterclass learning from Sharon Quirke and Vern Simpson
From the Arctic to the Pacific, Sharon Quirke’s work reflects a lifelong practice of exploration, observation, and teaching - rooted in land, community, and experience.
Sharon Quirke: Lessons from the Edge of the Map
For more than four decades, Sharon Quirke has lived as both artist and teacher—guided by an enduring belief that the land itself is the greatest classroom. From the Pacific Coast to the High Arctic, her bold, immersive paintings translate lived experience into visual lessons about place, resilience, and connection. As founder of the Pissarro School of Art and a lifelong educator, Sharon has shaped generations of artists while continuing her own practice of exploration and discovery. Her work reminds us that teaching is not instruction alone, but an invitation to see more deeply.
→ Explore Sharon Quirke’s work in Masterclass and experience the North through the eyes of a master teacher.
View the FULL Masterclass Collection Here
Grounded in landscape and abstraction, Vern Simpson’s paintings reflect decades of study, mentorship, and a deep engagement with the forces that shape place.
Vern Simpson: Lessons in Light, Colour, and Change
Vern Simpson’s art is grounded in a lifetime of study—of landscape, of colour, and of the elemental forces that shape our environment. Educated at the University of British Columbia and further refined through international study, Vern’s teaching years informed a practice rooted in observation, experimentation, and abstraction. His expressionist landscapes are not literal depictions, but lessons in movement, balance, and change—revealing how land carries memory and human presence. Through paint, Vern continues to teach what he has learned: that mastery comes from sustained attention and curiosity.
→ Discover Vern Simpson’s work in Masterclass and engage with landscapes shaped by decades of learning and reflection.
View the FULL Masterclass Collection Here
Looking for a meaningful and memorable present?
Give the gift of art this holiday season. We offer gift certificates with no expiration dates and flexible exchange options — perfect for treating someone special this year. We work closely with you or your recipient to find the art that works for you. Give something truly unforgettable with the gift of artwork.