Olive Dodd is a Canadian pastel and watercolor artist whose work is inspired by a lifelong love of the outdoors, a deep reverence for nature, and decades of lived adventure. Based in British Columbia, her paintings reflect the quiet strength and beauty of the wilderness — often focusing on wildlife and landscapes that evoke calm, connection, and a sense of place.
Before pursuing art more seriously in retirement, Olive worked as one of Canada’s first female National Park Wardens, living and working in some of the country’s most iconic natural spaces. Her career later evolved into GIS (Geographic Information Systems), where she brought landscapes to life through digital mapping and spatial design. That blend of hands-on wilderness experience and technical structure now informs the way she composes her artwork — from designing a scene in Photoshop to blending soft edges in pastel.
Largely self-taught, Olive’s artistic growth has been shaped by self-directed study, online mentorships, and years of observing the world around her. She draws inspiration from her global travels — including time spent living in Australia, cycling through New Zealand and the UK, and hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro — as well as her everyday walks with her beloved Schnoodle, Mocha.
Olive’s work has been shown in community galleries and local artisan shows in the Shuswap region. A member of the Salmon Arm Artist Mastermind group, she continues to refine her craft while sharing her art and story with others. Her paintings are known for their luminous light, gentle realism, and quiet presence. Each piece evokes the feeling of being in nature — the stillness, the textures, the sense of space.
Through her art, Olive invites the viewer to pause, breathe, and reconnect to the beauty of nature. Each piece she creates is signed with a playful martini olive on a toothpick — a nod to her name and a unique signature that reflects the joy and individuality she brings to her work.
To explore Olive's captivating pastel artworks, visit www.olivedoddart.com.
