Iya Carson, BFA, BArch

Iya Carson is the founder of Ottawa Valley Art Studio, an art space offering both in-person and virtual art courses for students ranging from beginners to advanced learners. A lifelong admirer of nature and art, Iya’s formal education in Architecture and Fine Art has given her a diverse skill set that she channels into her artistic endeavours. Her academic training enables her to work across various media, including watercolour, graphite, coloured pencils, pastels, India ink, acrylics, and oil. However, her favourite mediums remain graphite pencil and watercolour.

“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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Contact me at ottawavalleyartstudio@gmail.com

Work for Sale

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