Pursuit 365 Day 170: Lynda Moffatt

Lynda Moffatt is a Wildlife Artist & Advocate.

Most recently Winning, a Bronze Award in the Amazing Animals International Juried Visual Arts Competition of 2022 with her Power Couple Eagles painting.

She knows what it takes to succeed and run her Art Business. Always, reaching for the stars and putting in the work that needs to be done, even more sometimes to accomplish her goals. Being Juried in to Active Member with NOAPS, Artists for Conservation and The Federation of Canadian Artists attests to her determination, skill set and strong work ethic.

If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?

It’s okay to be different. Believe in yourself, you are here for a reason. It doesn’t even matter your age. Continue working towards your dreams. When it gets difficult, don’t give up!

When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made you start?

There were several instances I remember, that started the motions of my art career.

The most memorable, was when I was moving back to Canada, and met my husband, Kevin. He happened to see a few of my drawings on the table. He couldn’t believe I was dabbling in the arts so well he said. Of course, at the time it was only a dream, and I hid most of my artwork, sketching and painting for friends and colleagues. Oh, right away he said, this is what you are meant to do! He has always been my biggest fan and supporter, buying me my first field easel!

Nothing gets you more than ready, until you stand up and do it! Face those Fears!

Working with other artists, Painting Murals in front of the Public really helped to get me out there, kept me focused and started me living my dream as a professional Artist.

My first Commission was painting a Mural for Fort Malden Museum of the War of the Rebellion working with a designer from Ottawa.

I continued to study art business and pivoted back and forth onto social media platforms, as they became introduced. One step seemed to lead to the next.

Who or what has been your greatest influence?

I feel so fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time to be able to study under some incredible mentors. Harold Cooper was my first true Formal Art Teacher studying Portraiture and Landscapes in Oils. Working as a Gallery Manager, I met several wonderful wildlife artists and studied under them in acrylics. I’ve always enjoyed being a student of the arts.

What is your number one business goal this year?

I have set a few goals this year for sure.

Some of these goals have just been accomplished.

I will say that winning the Bronze Award for Amazing Animals and being Juried in as Active Member to 3 Wonderful Art Associations has hit the top of my goals this month.

You’ll have to keep an eye on my website or stay up to date with me on social to see how I do on my other goals.

I prefer setting small business goals and then reaching for some really tough ones. It seems to push you to the next level of where you are meant to go.

All the goals I accomplish this year, will certainly make this an Incredible year for my Art Journey!

The goals, I do not accomplish will teach me what I need to learn.

I will take those challenges on.

What do you have going on that you’d like to share?

What’s New News?

Yeah! I am a returning Co-Author in the book Pursuit:365 2022

I’ve been painting for selected Art Shows this year.

Including, A group art show with ASK April – May

The 64th Annual Juried Art Show in Toronto with ECOAA, April – May

The International Artist Exhibit in B.C. with Roam Gallery, May

Solo Show in Kingsville ON with ASK, July – Aug.

Many Online Shows this year!

Lots of fun times in the Art World!

It’s always a pleasure to get out and experience some Art Culture.

If you are not able to get to these events, we will have something for you online via social.

What motivates you?

You know what keeps me motivated? Venturing outdoors with Kevin or sometimes on daytrips by myself on wildlife excursions seeing incredible creatures, that inspire my paintings. I document each sighting by sketching, journaling and creating videos all from my own photos. Sharing their stories through my social media platforms. Pledging back monies to help sustain them and the land they need to call home. Along with all the daily tasks of being a working artist, this keeps me feeling like I have done my part for the betterment of society.