Iya Carson, BFA, BArch Russian-born Canadian artist Iya Carson is the founder of Ottawa Valley Art Studio, offering in-person and virtual art courses for all skill levels. With formal training in Fine Art and Architecture from the Ural State Academy (Russia), she brings a multidisciplinary approach to her practice. Working primarily in graphite and watercolour, Iya explores light, texture, and atmosphere in landscapes, still life, and nature studies inspired by her surroundings in the Ottawa Valley. She has exhibited widely across Ontario and Quebec, with works held in private collections in Canada, the U.S., Japan, Australia, Russia, and Ukraine.
“River Walk” watercolour painting, Arteast Award Exhibition 2025, Ottawa
The best in the show Award and 1st place in Watercolour category
2025 Open International Online Juried Exhibition
Against the Current, watercolour painting 18×24 (46 cm x 61 cm)
Honourable mention Award
25th Japan International Watercolour Institute Online Spring Exhibition 2025
Undercurrent, watercolour painting 40cm 40 cm
Winning Work
Iya draws inspiration from the interplay of light, shadow, colour, and texture to create landscapes, still life, and nature studies, often inspired by the surroundings near her home in the Ottawa Valley.
Her expansive, vibrant garden serves as a constant source of creativity and rejuvenation.
“Somewhere North” at 55th International Open Juried Exhibition by the Society of Canadian Artists at the Papermill Heritage Gallery in Toronto, August 2023
After graduating from the Ural Art Academy of Architecture and Industrial Design in Russia, Iya worked as a senior lecturer in Art History and as a drawing and painting instructor. She also practiced as an architect and industrial designer. Since immigrating to Canada, she has explored a variety of artistic styles and techniques, participating in numerous art shows across Ontario and Quebec. Her works are now part of private collections in Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia, Russia, and Ukraine.
Kanata Civic Art Gallery, March 2020
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