Rod Ballantyne

 

Born in Ottawa, Rod Ballantyne has spent most of his life in the Ottawa area.  He lived in England for three years during his early teens.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology/cultural geography from Carleton University and post-graduate studies in urban planning from Auckland University, New Zealand.  He spent 24 years in the federal Public Service, retiring as Director-General of Human Resources.

 

From an early age, Rod always had a passion for drawing and painting which he continued while he pursued his public service career.  Rod chose to retire early so he could devote the second phase of his life to the pursuit of his passion.  Rod and his wife Meena live on a beautiful property on the Ottawa River, one hour west of Ottawa.  The Ottawa Valley generally, and their property particularly, are a constant source of inspiration and motivation with rolling hills, babbling brooks, meadows, forests, sunsets – all of which exude their charms throughout the changing seasons.

 

Rod devotes himself full-time to representing through his paintings what he sees and what he feels about what he sees.  He only paints images that in one way or another create an emotional reaction in him.  It is very personal – it could be form, it could be colour, texture, or the effects of light that separately or together stimulate his creative curiosity and entice him to capture that personal feeling on canvass.  Basically self-taught, Rod feels that painting is a life-long commitment to learning and hardwork.   It is through this commitment that Rod is able to satisfy himself that his work is the best that he can do and that it will continue to evolve and develop. 

 

As an artist, Rod hopes that his personal and unique perspective, expressed through his paintings,  will touch those who view his work in a similar manner.  This ability to successfully communicate through art is a very fulfilling goal for Rod and he hopes that you will find his paintings enriching and evocative.