Welcome to Shannon McWhinney's art site.

Living on the wild edge of Vancouver Island in Ucluelet, B.C., Shannon McWhinney finds inspiration in the quiet, everyday magic of the West Coast. From coastal landscapes to local wildlife, each piece begins with a moment of connection—an image, a glance, a movement, or a memory—then comes to life through colour, texture, and emotion. Shannon’s paintings invite viewers to experience the spirit of the coast and to rediscover the wonder found in brief, beautiful encounters with nature.

Her work is currently showcased at the McMillan Art Centre in Parksville, Pacific Art Market in Nanaimo, Black Rock Resort, Reflecting Spirit Gallery, and Ucluelet Brewery.

Explore the links to discover more about her captivating art!

McMillan Arts Centre - Current Exhibits

Showcase of artwork by Shannon McWhinney from Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada - Artists - Reflecting Spirit Gallery

The Fawn's Autumnal Offering

A whimsical painting of a young fawn holding a crisp branch, peering from the trees as if offering a quiet gift. Inspired by photos taken from my studio, this piece captures a tender moment when a fawn explored the property, picked up a branch, and looked up at me with gentle curiosity.

Paws of Protection: Sweet Dreams Adrift

This painting captures a tender moment between a mother otter and her baby. With one caring paw gently resting on the sleeping pup, the mother watches over her pup as it drifts peacefully asleep on a dock, wrapped in quiet comfort and trust.

"Whimsy & Wonder: A Curated Collection of
Shannon McWhinney's paintings.

otters
river otters
otters on dock
acrylic on canvas

Blissfully Unbothered & Otterly Irresistible

A group of river otters are gathered on a dock near the forested coastline. One is sitting happily absorbing the sunrays while the others look towards it with varying emotions. Acrylic painting with loose brushstrokes and layered colours giving the impression of an expressive west coast scene.
16 x 40 inch canvas
On Display at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville

eagles, movement, west coast shoreline, eagles compete for salmon

Eyes on the Prize

A dramatic West Coast shoreline where eagles fiercely compete for a salmon carcass left by fishermen, one with wings spread & talons extended, one tensely aware of an oncoming confrontation.
The rhythmic waves crash against barnacle coated rocks, and colourful waves rolling to shore add to the raw, untamed beauty of the scene.
It’s a scene that showcases both the beauty and the competitive nature of life on the coast—where survival and instincts reign supreme.

Acrylic on 3 x 3 foot canvas
Price: $2250.00
On display at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville, B.C.
Giclee prints & Art Cards available.

harbour seal basking in sun while seaming to chuckle at its reflection, rippling watery reflections

LOL - Laughing on Log, So Sealy

A harbour seal lounges lazily in the sun on a breakwater, its sleek body basking in the warmth as it gazes at the rippling reflection in the calm water below. The seal seems to chuckle in contentment, its playful expression adding a touch of whimsy to the peaceful coastal scene.

Acrylic on Canvas
36 x 18 inches
$1200.00

On display at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville, B.C.