… A little about me.

My name is Rylee Vincent, a self-taught artist from Alberta, Canada, born in 2004. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when my art journey began, as I’ve always been drawn to creating, inspired by family members who shared a love for drawing. However, it was at age 14 that I truly committed to honing my skills, starting with large-scale pencil artworks of subjects I loved, such as animals and superheroes. When the COVID lockdowns hit, art became my refuge, and I immersed myself in developing my skills. Initially, I focused on simple concepts like animals and people, which helped me establish a solid foundation. Gradually, I discovered the power of storytelling in art, weaving symbols and emotions into pieces that could captivate and connect with others. This is where I found my calling.

In 2021, I created a Remembrance Day piece titled All Was Given, featuring a lone, ghostly soldier walking away from the viewer. The piece resonated deeply, reaching a far wider audience than I had imagined. In 2022, it was featured at the national Remembrance Day ceremony and now resides at the Canadian Legion’s national headquarters. Seeing how each person connected with this work in a unique way inspired me to create pieces that are personal and emotionally resonant for others.

My exploration of art continued with two years competing in the Calgary Stampede poster competition, which introduced me to oil paints. I fell in love with oils—the way they echoed the control and depth I enjoyed with pencil and charcoal, while also opening a world of vibrant color and new textures.

Today, my passion is creating personalized artworks that capture special moments in people’s lives. Through my wedding paintings, I offer couples a unique way to preserve the magic of their day—a snapshot of joy and love captured in rich, expressive oil. Oil paints allow me to set the mood with vibrant tones, creating a timeless piece that reflects the feeling of the moment. Each painting is crafted to be as unique as the love it celebrates, capturing that unforgettable spark in time.

My equestrian collection is also a deeply personal endeavor. Since childhood, I dreamed of having a horse, and now that I do, I understand the profound bond people share with these animals. I create portraits that celebrate our equine friends as cherished family members, using pencil to capture their unique spirit and personality. The black-and-white contrasts in pencil allow me to achieve a hyper-realistic style that brings each horse’s character to life, drawing out the powerful bond we share with these remarkable creatures.

Both of these collections—the wedding paintings and the equestrian portraits—come from the heart. Each piece is a tribute to what we hold dear, created to bring joy, honor memories, and keep special moments alive.

Wedding Paintings

Each wedding painting I create is as unique and special as the moment it captures. I begin by gathering a collection of photos from the couple to understand the setting, poses, and meaningful symbols that will bring the memory to life. After carefully selecting and layering these elements, I develop a detailed outline that serves as the foundation for the painting.

I use a fresh, high-quality canvas, which is prepped with a light sketch to guide the composition. For these pieces, I work with premium Winsor & Newton oil paints and a galkyd medium to achieve smooth blending and enhanced drying time. I begin with fine details, focusing on the subjects, and layer dark to light tones until the figures start to come alive. The background is added last, following the same dark-to-light approach, adding depth to the scene.

Once the painting is complete, I add my signature and frame each piece in a handcrafted wooden frame, custom-built from scratch. Starting with raw wood, each frame is cut, sanded, painted, and sealed to complement the artwork perfectly. After the painting is secured in its frame, I add a personal note on the back for the couple, making each piece a true heirloom that celebrates their most cherished memory.

Equestrian Collection

My equestrian portraits begin with a series of high-quality photos that allow me to capture the horse’s unique personality, especially through their eyes. After selecting the best angles and details, I prepare a custom-cut paper canvas designed specifically for hyper-realistic charcoal work.

Each portrait starts with a refined sketch, and I use a distinctive technique to add texture and dimension: a dull nail tied into a pen is used to gently score the paper, creating a subtle texture that, when layered with charcoal, perfectly mimics the look of fur. Working meticulously from dark to light, I add layers of detail until each portrait achieves the lifelike presence that my clients love.

Once the piece is complete, I sign and seal it with a fixative to protect the charcoal from smudging. Carefully rolled and packaged, each portrait includes a personalized note, adding a heartfelt touch to these timeless tributes to beloved equine companions.

Why choose me?

Choosing an artist to capture your cherished moments and beloved animals is a personal decision, and I strive to make each piece a meaningful, lasting expression of what matters most to you. Here’s what sets me apart:

1. A Personal Touch for Every Piece
   My art is crafted with a deep commitment to authenticity and connection. Each artwork I create, whether it’s a wedding painting or an equestrian portrait, is custom-tailored to the emotions, details, and stories you want to remember forever. I take the time to understand your vision, using reference photos and conversations to build a piece that reflects not only an image but the memories and feelings behind it.

2. Skilled, Handcrafted Detail
   As a self-taught artist, I have spent years mastering the techniques that bring my work to life. From my distinctive hyper-realistic pencil work to vibrant, expressive oil paintings, I use only premium materials like Winsor & Newton oil paints to ensure each piece is both beautiful and enduring. Each wedding painting is framed by hand, and each equestrian portrait is meticulously textured to bring out the character of the subject. Every detail is intentional, down to the final signature and handcrafted frame.

3. Uniquely You, Every Time
   No two pieces are alike. I work closely with each client to integrate symbols, settings, and subtle elements that are unique to your story, whether it's a shared glance in a wedding painting or the spirited personality of your horse. This isn’t just art; it’s a one-of-a-kind keepsake that celebrates the connections and moments that are special to you.

4. Professionalism You Can Trust
   With artwork that has received national recognition—including All Was Given, chosen by the Canadian Legion for their Remembrance Day ceremony—I am dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism and quality. From initial consultations to secure packaging and personalized notes, I ensure each aspect of the process is handled with care, respect, and attention to detail.

5. Passion from Experience
   My passion for animals and special moments in life goes beyond the canvas. Growing up with a love for horses and having the privilege to capture the joy and magic of weddings, I approach every piece with genuine enthusiasm and dedication. These personal experiences inspire me to create pieces that resonate, telling a story that is both meaningful to you and true to my craft.

By choosing me, you are choosing an artist who cares deeply about capturing the soul of each subject and the beauty of each moment. Let me help you create a piece that you will treasure for a lifetime.