Gillian Lahav

I am a self-taught oil painter and gilder creating in my studio in Toronto. My paintings are inspired by magic in the natural world, featuring slumbering animals and lush plants set in golden light.

I work on locally-made wood panels, layering oil paint and metal leaf over exposed wood grain to achieve organic scenes with lots of movement. A hiker and former archaeologist, I look to wild plants, antique treasures, and sleepy house cats for colours and compositions that speak to me. ​

I hope the imagery in my paintings will evoke for you the rich warmth and energy of golden hour, that fleeting time of day when the sun casts its most magical spell.

​More paintings for sale will be added regularly. Follow me on Instagram and sign up for emails at to be the first to know about new releases!