Original watercolour & pastel · Muskoka, Ontario
The quiet beauty of Muskoka, softened into paint
Original watercolour and pastel landscapes by Cathleen Vanderpost — lakes at first light, granite warmed by afternoon, the hush of pines at the edge of the water. Painted slowly, from a lifetime of looking.
Meet Cathleen
- 40+ years painting
- 30 years teaching
- Muskoka-based
About the artist
About Cathleen
I have been painting for more than forty years, most of them alongside another life entirely — thirty years and more spent in a classroom, teaching children to notice the world and to trust their own hands. When I retired, the painting simply moved to the centre of the day, where I think it always wanted to be.
These days you will find me at the water's edge here in Muskoka, watching how the light settles on the lake or catches the top of the pines. I work in soft watercolour and pastel because they let me chase that gentleness — the luminous, unhurried feeling of a northern Ontario morning before the day has quite begun.
I paint the places we love up here — the ones that feel like coming home.
Every painting begins with something small that stopped me: a red canoe pulled up on the granite, mist lifting off a bay, wildflowers leaning toward the sun. If one of them speaks to you, I would be so glad to hear from you.
Thank you for spending a few quiet minutes here. It means more than you know.
Cathleen
Recent work
The Gallery
A gathering of recent paintings — the lakes, forests, and granite shores of Muskoka and the surrounding cottage country, each one painted from a moment that asked me to stay a little longer. New pieces appear first on Instagram.
Where to find me
Where to Find Me
When the warm months come, I love to bring a few framed originals and prints to the local markets and set them out where you can see them in person. There is nothing quite like standing in front of a painting in the morning light. Here is where you might find my little booth.
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Bracebridge Farmers' Market
A gentle start to the weekend — a few framed originals and cards, and always time for a chat about the lakes.
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Gravenhurst Wharf Market
Down by the water, where the light is loveliest. A good place to catch the newest small watercolours.
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Huntsville Farmers' Market
A friendly market up north — I bring pieces inspired by the forests and rivers around Huntsville.
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Port Carling Market
Right in the heart of the lakes. Perfect for finding a small keepsake of your favourite bay.
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Bala Cranberry & Summer Markets
A seasonal favourite — sunsets, wildflowers, and the colours of Muskoka's turning leaves.
These are examples of the markets I hope to attend — please treat the days and seasons as a guide rather than a promise. The surest way to know exactly where I will be, and when, is to follow along on Instagram, where I share each market before I go.
Say hello
Found something you love?
Instagram is where I share everything first, and it is the easiest way to reach me. If a painting has caught your eye, if you would like to know whether an original is available, or if you simply want to say hello, send me a message there — I read every one and would love to hear from you.
Every painting, print, and commission is handled personally — just send a message and we'll take it from there.