Isobel Hamilton (AFCA ARMS) is a Scots-Canadian realist painter living and working in the Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia. Born in Stirling in Scotland, her mother was an artist (though not professionally) and her father a mathematician. With a talent for both art and science she was unsure which career path to take, obtaining an honours degree in Photography, Film and Television before changing direction, studying Forensic Medicine and Science and working as a Fingerprint Expert in Glasgow. She obtained an MPhil in Pure and Applied Chemistry before she and her husband decided it was time for something different, and in 2013 they emigrated to Nova Scotia.

Since moving here Isobel has worked to create a career for herself as an artist. Living in the woods on the north mountain she was inspired by the quality of light in Nova Scotia, the seasons, and the darkness. “I love the feeling of complete dark; in these modern times of constant connectivity and illumination, I love stopping to contemplate the simple things, like candlelight in darkness”. Isobel is self-taught with a passion for detailed realism. She has been praised for her ability to capture light, and some have made comparisons to Mary Pratt – a compliment she doesn’t take lightly!

Isobel has always had a love of vintage objects, particularly ones that are worn and have a story to tell, and she has recently started to use these objects as painting subjects. She can often be found in thrift stores and antique shops, looking for items that speak to her. She is also an Associate member of the Federation of Canadian Artists.