Through dramatic lighting, vivid colour, and energetic brushwork, McWilliams creates paintings that feel both contemporary and deeply emotive.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1979, McWilliams now lives and works in Calgary, Alberta. She studied at the Alberta College of Art and Design (now Alberta University of the Arts) in the mid-1990s, majoring in sculpture. Although her formal training focused on three-dimensional practice, this background continues to influence her painting, informing the sense of volume, depth, and spatial relationships present in her work.

McWilliams’ paintings often explore landscapes, urban environments, florals and wildlife, capturing fleeting moments of light and atmosphere through expressive colour and confident brushwork. These works investigate light, gesture and form translating the movement into bold painterly marks. Driven by endless curiosity, McWilliams’ work seeks to reveal the quiet magic hidden within everyday moments— in the shifting light across an urban landscape or the reflections and bold colours of classic cars.

In addition to her studio practice, McWilliams is a passionate educator with over 24 years of teaching experience. She is the founder of Indigo Arts, her art education studio offering workshops, retreats, and online courses. She has led painting retreats in inspiring locations including Waterton National Park, Osoyoos, Italy, and Mexico.

Her work is held in private and corporate collections across Canada, the United States, and Europe. McWilliams is currently represented by Avens Gallery in Canmore and Art on 9th in Calgary.