Sea Dreamer – My First Solo Exhibit

Dear friends and art lovers,

I’m beyond excited to share a deeply personal milestone with you — my very first solo art exhibit, Sea Dreamer, is now open at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville, BC!

Sea Dreamer is a collection born from my lifelong love of the ocean, but also from a time of healing and renewal. Each painting reflects a chapter of my journey — both physical and creative — and I would love nothing more than to invite you into that world.

The Story Behind Sea Dreamer

If you’ve been following along on my social media, you might know that I suffered a knee injury last summer that left me on crutches for quite some time. I couldn’t walk freely, let alone surf — which, as many of you know, is a major source of inspiration and energy in my life.

During my recovery I took a step back from painting, but as I reclaimed my mobility I began preparing for this exhibit. My studio slowly filled with waves. Though I’m still out of the water until at least the fall, painting brought me back to the sea in a way I desperately needed.

The Exhibit: Sea Dreamer

This collection is a celebration of my connection to the ocean — wild, rhythmic, and full of movement. Through bold colour and fluid brushstrokes, I aim to capture my muse, the sea, with it’s ever shifting energy and ever-changing light.

Towering surf and glistening seafoam, these oil paintings invite you to step into the water — to feel its pull, its power, and its beauty. I hope, as you view them, you’ll reflect on your own relationship with the sea.

You're Invited

Please join me for the opening reception:

📍 McMillan Arts Centre
133 McMillan Street, Parksville, BC
🗓 Saturday, May 31st
🕐 1:00 – 3:00 PM

There will be refreshments, good conversation, and a chance to connect over a shared love of art and the ocean. I’d be so honoured to see you there and to thank you in person for supporting my creative journey.

If you’re unable to make it to the opening, the show runs through June 29, so there’s plenty of time to stop by and experience Sea Dreamer.

A Bit About Me

I’m an oil painter living in Ucluelet, BC, where the Pacific Ocean is both my backyard and my muse. Though I grew up far from the coast, I always felt a strong pull toward the sea. That longing eventually brought me west — into the waves, and eventually back into painting.

I first discovered oil painting at the Etobicoke School of the Arts in Toronto but stepped away from it for many years. My return to the medium was sparked by something deeply meaningful: inheriting my grandmother’s brushes and art supplies. Since then, painting has become a way to both honour her and reconnect with myself.

When I’m not in the studio, you’ll likely find me on the beach with my dogs, surfing (when I'm not injured!), or capturing the rugged beauty of the west coast through photography.

Thank you so much for being part of this moment with me. Your support means the world — truly.

With gratitude and sea dreams,
Emma Paveley

🌐 emmapaveleyart.com
📸 @emmapaveleyart
🖼 Exhibit Info: McMillan Arts Centre – Sea Dreamer

“Into The Wild”

48” x 36”

Oil on canvas

Featured in Emma Paveley’s “Sea Dreamer” exhibit.