Opus Resource Library
Constant Evolution with Cara Bain
Opus Resource Library

"I love that loss of total control that helps me to get effects that I wouldn't have got if I was totally in control of the process."

– Cara Bain

In this episode of Living A Creative Life, we sit down with artist Cara Bain.

Cara Bain is a passionate painter and educator known for her captivating figurative and landscape work. Cara's unique approach blends traditional techniques with innovative experimentation, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.


Cara shares insights into her creative process, from concept development through to experimentation with new materials like adding patina with copper foiling and new techniques with oil paints. With her focus on capturing the essence of people and places, Cara's journey inspires us to embrace exploration and push the limits of our artistic practice.


Join us as we delve into Cara Bain's practice, exploring how she navigates between figurative and landscape work while continuously evolving as an artist. Plus, discover how setting intentions and embracing spontaneity fuel her growth and creativity in today's episode.

Cara stands in the Canvas Method studio in front of her recent artworks with brushes in hand.
Cara stands in the Canvas Method studio in front of her recent artworks with brushes in hand.
Cara points to out details from her recent mark-making explorations.
Cara points to out details from her recent mark-making explorations.

We'd like to thank Cara Bain, Justin Ogilvie, Mara Goncharova, and the Canvas Method production team for making this episode possible.


To see more of Cara Bains's work, visit her website: carabain.ca, her profile at Canvas Method, and her Instagram at @Art.By.Cara.Bain.

Cara's Picks for Experimentation

Creative Exploration

This video is part of our theme of Creative Exploration.  

With the dawn of a new year, it’s a perfect time to take a moment in life to pause; to listen to what is happening both with the outside world, as well as our inner world, so that we can realign with ourselves and become more in rhythm in our world. 
 

A moment to look at what our place is in our community. How can I create and have an impact on my life? The lives of others? How do we bring focus to what is important?  

Looking to get experimenting like Cara Bain?

Art Materials For Creative Explorations

For this fresh year, full of creative possibility, we've put together two inspiring product guides! One highlights exciting art materials to expand your repertoire of creative tools with and spark inspiration in your explorations. The other guide offers materials that allow you to experiment without getting too "precious" about using them up. Explore the guides for great art materials to experiment with.

Supplies For New Adventures


Challenge yourself – imagine the new art journeys you'll embark on. Evolve your skills and techniques with fresh, ambitious art supplies, and reach for that next level!


Adventuring into the world of oil sticks.
Adventuring into the world of oil sticks.

Affordable Supplies For Exploration


Explore in art with affordable art supplies that will support you in your day-to-day ventures. Nothing in this guide is so expensive it becomes "too precious" to use to the last drop for your prolific experiments.


Exploring different acrylic textures on canvas panel.
Exploring different acrylic textures on canvas panel.