Birds are incredible. Intelligent, able to make and use tools, and in possession of common language - the birds of the 21st century are experiencing the beginning of their culture's own stone age. Unfortunately, bird populations in North America have declined 29% since 1970, resulting in the loss of nearly 3 billion birds from the ecosystem. These paintings are to remind us that we are stewards of our ecosystem, our Earth, and of course our friends -- the birds.

A Celebration of Birds

Nature's cathedral. There is a deep feeling of connection when we stand under a canopy of leaves. I am obsessed with painting forests. I want to see more of them in the world.

Forests

My painting technique, Faux Fauvism, is rooted in the tenets of classical Impressionism. The following studies were created to re-examine the starting point of my work, and identify other creative trajectories which can now be explored.

New Impressionist Works

I've always painted cottages, and always dreamed of living in one. My idea of utopia are entire neighbourhoods of cottages and paths and streams and forests. If our domestic life puts us closer to nature, my belief is we'll be happier and healthier.

The Cottage Collection

The most western province in Canada, British Columbia hosts the country's only desert, temperate rainforests, and a mountainous coastline offering countless breathtaking vistas. These artworks were created to honour this special place.

Beautiful British Columbia

Animals Are Our Best Friends

My hometown is one of my favourite subjects to paint. My painting technique, Faux Fauvism, was created in Vancouver. I hold a deep affection for this place, and for the people that live here.

Portraits of Vancouver, British Columbia

Here, you'll find the original illustrations I've created for my upcoming poetry collection "Cats of All Kinds".

Cats of All Kinds

Here are visions of our best friends from days to come.

Dogs of the Future

The infinite patience, endurance and consideration it takes to succeed in the food service industry is an enormous inspiration to me. These artworks are created in tribute to those who serve the public everyday.

A Tribute to Restaurants, Cooks and Servers

I initially became known for the dense detail found in Faux Fauvist paintings. To challenge my limitations, I have decided to revisit certain mores of reductive artwork and redevelop my own sense of Minimalism.

Experiments with Minimalism

A celebration of the colors, textures & flavors of fresh fruits and  vegetables.

Healthy is Beautiful

In the 1940s, motel culture grew to serve an emerging middle class -- providing clean, affordable accommodations that could be enjoyed by all. 

The modern motel is a very different thing. Families live and die in motels, and have ever since the 2008 Housing Market Crisis. 

The Motel is more than a symbol of Western Culture. It is a symbol of us, and we will be remembered by it.

Motels

The Insomniacs are a hand-painted series of portraits by Josh Byer. They are made using the Faux Fauvist technique, and are dedicated to anyone who struggles with sleep. Every painting is accompanied by a poem which provides biographical information about each character.


Any collector who purchases a set of five (5) Insomniac prints can elect to become a character in my next portrait series.