Greta Guzek’s paintings radiate joy, weaving together the spirit of the West Coast with her own deep sense of wonder. Her landscapes are not simple depictions of place, but translations of feeling: alive with color, rhythm, and energy. From sunlit coves to quiet forests, her canvases capture the essence of belonging, sparking a sense of home no matter where the viewer may be. As she joins the Mountain Galleries, Greta shares her thoughts on finding inspiration, distilling the soul of her surroundings, and creating art that connects people through the beauty of place.

Your paintings feel like they hum with life, how do you decide when a scene is ready to be transformed into one of your joyful landscapes?

Any scene can become a painting because the energy of the painting lies within the artist. I am captivated by landscape because it embodies this lifeforce in a micro/macro way, and it is joyful because it is perfect and poetic in its expression.

Your work often captures the “spirit” of a place. Do you think of yourself more as a painter, or as a translator of emotions into color?

My interest is focused on west coast landscape because it surrounds me and I'm immersed in its magic. I'm interested in distilling the essence of my natural environment, and so select things that I feel belong, are adapted and bonded to the land. My emotional response directly affects the colours I choose, the marks I make or the mood I'm lured into.

If someone is seeing your work for the very first time, what’s the one feeling you hope they carry away with them?

I would like them to recognize the wonder that I feel when painting a scene.

Many collectors say your art reminds them of home, even if they’re far away. Why do you think your landscapes spark that sense of belonging?

I hope people connect with my paintings because of my desire to capture and share that essence of place, that something that makes it what it is. I select elements like water,  trees, logs, rocks, skies, cabins, boats, birds, because I am hoping that they evoke memories, and radiate the energy of this coast.

Art is often about connection. what has been the most surprising or touching response you’ve received from someone standing in front of your work?

Each of us have a very individual response to the world around us, so, when someone else recognizes my response through viewing my painting , it makes me feel deeply joyful and relieved that there are like-minded people sharing the wonder.