LOCAL ARTIST PROFILE
Denise Antaya by Peri Hayes Denise Antaya is a Port Stanley-based artist, enthused about sharing her craft. She begins by detailing her background: “I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil. I was always interested in realism, and started to paint after going to an art show with my family when I was 12 years old. I had my first art show, Art by the River, when I was 14 years old.” As Denise candidly reveals, she graduated high school believing that Fine Art seemed a risky means to make a living. She consequently decided to study Advertising in postsecondary, spending 31.5 years in this field, with half of her career surrounding pre-press work in the studio. The remainder of her focus was in production, press approvals, PR work and more. “It was an exciting, fast-paced field that I loved. Fine Art was my side gig.” With earnestness, Denise proceeds, “After my husband died, I decided to go to art school -- a private atelier in Toronto that taught how to draw and paint like the masters. I have a long way to go, for sure, but that’s the fun and the challenge.” Oil paint is Denise’s preferred medium, though she has recently enjoyed experimenting with gouache. “Landscapes are my subjects of choice. I love the way light plays across a scene that is often overlooked, making it something special. Plein air is a necessary part for me, because a camera can never capture the colours like the eye does. Doing studio work is greatly enhanced by plein air practice and vice versa; they go hand in hand. I love sunrises and sunsets -- the golden hour where everything is bathed in warmth.” While reflecting on stand-out achievements from her artistic journey, Denise highlights, “A couple pieces come to mind: When Seconds Matter ... Your Gift Counts.
Spend the Holidays with Joshua & Company HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 7, 8 & 9 In Store Specials. Open 10-5 Daily HARBOUR HOLLY DAYS NOVEMBER 28, 29, 30 Promos exclude Jellycat merchandise Catching the Light, which is a scene of the barn on Sunset Drive in the winter with all the signs; a painting called Puddles, which got me on the TV show Landscape Artist of the Year Canada .” “We are fortunate to have so many creative, talented people in Port Stanley and the surrounding area.” In this vibrant lakeside village, art continuously grows and evolves. To this, Denise voices, “I think art plays a big part in the community, and should.
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Page 10 Port Stanley Villager • November 2025
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