Kim Dorland

Early life

Born in 1974 in Wainwright, Alberta, Kim Dorland grew up surrounded by the stark beauty of the Canadian landscape, which would later become a central theme in his work. From an early age, he was drawn to the arts, finding solace and expression in painting.

Dorland had a close relationship with his environment during his formative years, which helped to shape the distinct viewpoint he brought to his creative pursuits. He went on to pursue his love of painting by enrolling in formal study, earning a Master of Fine Arts from York University in Toronto and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver. These early years were critical in helping him to create his own painting style and methodology.

Career

Kim Dorland’s career has been characterized by a bold reimagining of landscape painting. He pushes the boundaries of the genre by incorporating elements of graffiti and expressionism, resulting in works that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. His technique involves layering paint thickly, creating textures that give a sense of depth and vitality to his scenes. Dorland’s subjects range from serene forest landscapes to eerie, deserted urban scenes, often depicted with a sense of nostalgia and melancholy.

Early on, he became well-known in the art world, and his creations were shown in a large number of galleries and institutions both domestically and abroad. Exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Contemporary Calgary, and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection are noteworthy. As one of Canada’s top modern artists, his paintings are included in a number of esteemed collections.

Dorland first gained notoriety for his vivid suburban landscape paintings, which were inspired by memories of his youth years spent in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. These pieces featured scenes of parties outside, fights, and the wild edges of suburban life, all distinguished by vivid fluorescent underpainting and thick layers of impasto.
Dorland’s notoriety was largely attributed to his very thick paint application, especially in his passionate portraits (typically of his wife Lori), in which the paint was placed so thickly that screws were occasionally required for support. In addition, he is well known for his unique use of a variety of mediums on a single canvas, including paper, fur, screws, phosphorescence, spray paint, ink, and oil and acrylic paints.

Dorland is an artist who has redefined the landscape genre through his emotive, textured, and vibrant paintings. His journey from the rural terrains of Alberta to the forefront of Canada’s art scene is a testament to his talent, vision, and relentless exploration of the natural and emotional worlds. His works, which continue to captivate and inspire, are not just paintings but dialogues with the viewer, inviting them into a vivid, introspective, and profoundly personal landscape.

Net Worth

Dorland’s net worth in 2023 is an estimated $1.72 million.

Achievement

Dorland has received many achievements in his career so far. Here are some highlights.

Critical Acclaim: Dorland has received widespread recognition for his innovative and emotive approach to landscape painting, redefining the genre with his vibrant and textured works.

Prominent Exhibitions: His paintings have been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions both nationally and internationally, including notable venues like the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, and Contemporary Calgary.

Influential Presence: Dorland's work has significantly influenced contemporary art, particularly in Canada, inspiring a new generation of artists interested in exploring the boundaries of traditional landscape painting.

Collection Inclusions: His artworks are part of several prestigious collections, reflecting his status as one of Canada's leading contemporary artists.

Innovative Techniques: Known for his thick application of paint and use of diverse materials, Dorland has pushed the boundaries of texture and material in painting, setting him apart in the art world.

Subject of Major Exhibitions: He has been the focus of major solo exhibitions, showcasing the depth, evolution, and impact of his artistic journey.