Aili Kurtis

Aili Kurtis is an artist who explores the rhythms and patterns of the Canadian landscape in her studio in the Rideau Lakes. She seeks the “abstract within the real” and creates images that move away from reality while still maintaining the appeal of the theme.

Raised in Yellowknife, N.W.T., Aili went south to study at the Ontario College of Art (Toronto), Ecole des Beaux Arts (Montreal), and went on to receive a B.A. specializing in Art Education from the University of Quebec.

When Aili moved to Ottawa she worked in the arts as the Art Director of CJOH-TV, the director of Aili Studios (graphic design, illustration, court room sketches); an art instructor at the Ottawa School of Art; and as the Creative Director of Corel Corporation.

Aili paints in acrylic and pastel. In 2004 she was awarded the title “Master Pastellist” by the Pastel Artists of Canada. Her award-winning paintings have been featured in The International Artist Magazine, The Pastel Journal, and the Artist’s Magazine. Aili has been interviewed on Television (Regional Contact—CTV); and in 2020 she was on CBC Online News, as well interviewed on “All in a Day” for her Coronavirus paintings. Her work has been published in several books, including: “Art Journey: Abstract Painting”; “Acrylic Works: Big Values”; “AcrylicWorks: The Best of Acrylic Painting”; “How Did They Paint That? 100 Ways to Paint Seascapes, Rivers, and Lakes”.