Lorraine Simonds

It only takes a single photon of light to pierce utter darkness – just one. And when the world can seem to be growing dimmer and darker, that quiet, small light becomes all the more visible – all the more impactful. This is what I’m seeking – not manufacturing but revealing – the unrelenting presence of light: a real hope that’s grounded in truth.

My work is drawn to the places where the light feels hidden – spaces marked by ache, quiet questions, or things left unsaid. I tend to linger there, not out of despair, but because I believe even in the dark, something beautiful and hopeful can stir. It begins not with likeness, but with the weight of a moment – the pull of a story that needs to be seen. I’m not interested in polish, but honesty. I’m drawn to the kind of honesty that doesn’t need to be loud, obnoxious, or controversial – honesty that can be kind while confronting.

Whether it’s a person, a place, or a thing, I try to hold it with tenderness and trust. Watercolour suits that – it’s a medium that mirrors faith in many ways: it may feel chaotic, doesn’t always go smoothly, and asks you to let go.

In all my work, I hope to leave something behind that feels quietly true, honest, and faithful. Not loud, not easy – but honest....

Lorraine Simonds is an internationally recognised, award-winning watercolour artist and educator known for her expressive, emotive portraits that capture the essence of humanity. Recent achievements include Finalist in Splash 26: The Best of Watercolour (2025), First Place in Works on Paper at the Federation of Canadian Artists (2024, 2025), First Place for the 2025 Small Works and Honours in the 2024 Vancouver Salon, and Special Merit for “My Question of Fruit” in Art & Color 365 Magazine (2025). She has been invited as Special Guest Artist and Cultural Ambassador to the 2025 China International Watercolour Art Season and will exhibit at the prestigious International Watercolour Masters (IWM2026) in England.

She is a Signature Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, serves as International Brand Ambassador for Rockwell Art Canada and Golden Maple, BC Representative of the Canadian Branch of the International Watercolour Society . Her work has been featured in juried exhibitions internationally. She has served as a juror for international watercolour competitions, including Women in Watercolour International and the Let's Rock! International for two consecutive years, and the IWS Canada Members Competition. Her work is h...

2026

Presenter | The World of Watercolour | Terracotta LLC
Presenter | Watercolor Live | Streamline Media
Juror | 2026 Art Speaks | Federation of Canadian Artists
'Making a Splash - Lorraine Simonds', Happenings Feature in Watercolor Artist Magazine (Spring 2026) | Golden Peak Media
Artwork "Perplexed but not Despairing" Featured in Artists Magazine (Jan/Feb 2026) | Golden Peak Media
IWM2026 | International Watercolour Masters
Juried Exhibition
Lilleshall Hall, Shropshire, TF10 9AT, England

2025

Signature Member | Elected Status | Federation of Canadian Artists
Juror | 6th Annual Women in Watercolour Competition
Juror | Rockwell International Wetlands Competition
Juror | 2025 Let's Rock! International Art Festival
Juror | Lorraine's Challenge: IWS Canada Members Competition
The BoldBrush Award | November 2025 BoldBrush Art Contest & Exhibit
​"Your Way Was Through The Sea"
Finalist | Splash 26: Best of Watercolour | Awarded by Stephen Zhang
​"Perplexed but not Despairing"
First Place | 2025 Small | Federation of Canadian Artists
​"Light of Datong, China"
First Place | 2025 Works on Paper | Federation of Canadian Artists
​"The Time In-Between"
President Choice Award | United Through Watercolour 2025 | IWS Canada
​"Flower Gal...