Nice little surprise in the mailbox this week—turns out I’m the featured “Neighbour of Interest” in Neighbours of the Glebe! A perfect Saturday morning read with my coffee ☕️.
Big thanks to whoever nominated me—it means a lot to be recognized for my art here in the community.
If anyone’s interested in a copy, reach out and I’ll happily share.
Here is the article in full.
Meet Andrew D. Milne!
Glebe artist reimagines Ontario's landscapes in bold colours
By Hannah Sabourin
Photos by Andrew Balfour
Ask Andrew D. Milne about the secret to his creative productivity, and he’ll tell you it starts with a solid morning routine: a light jog, an Americano, and a David Bowie album at full volume. This gentle warm-up helps him clear his mind and attune to his work. By the time he picks up a paintbrush, the Glebe artist is immersed in the rivers, lakes, and forests of Eastern Ontario cottage country—the landscapes that inspire his art.
Raised in Ottawa, Andrew discovered his passion for painting in high school. While in the arts program at Earl of March Secondary School, his teacher, Dorothy Bongo, encouraged him to consider a career in the field. He took her advice and studied at Sheridan College in Toronto, known for its renowned arts program.
Though formally trained in fine art, Milne’s career expands well beyond the canvas. After college, he built a career in the tech and creative industry, where he helped develop marketing strategies for digital studios. This work taught him the principles of innovative leadership, which ultimately landed him on the Ottawa Business Journal's "Forty Under 40" list in 2009. These days, as a Fractional Chief Revenue Officer, he helps companies from all over the world grow with purpose, while also working as a full-time painter.
Viewing an Andrew D. Milne landscape can feel like gazing out a cottage window in the heart of the Rideau Lakes. Waves crash off the canvas, wind ripples through leafy trees, and the heat of summer radiates in vibrant hues. "I hope my paintings make you want to hop into your car (or boat) and go on an adventure," he said.
Drawing from the bold textures of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and the emotional landscapes of Group of Seven painter David Milne (no relation), Andrew said his goal is to create paintings that feel alive. His high-contrast palette helps accomplish this goal: purple rocks evoke dark, water-soaked north-facing stones, while pink ones suggest sun-baked granite warm enough to burn bare feet. "We're so used to seeing these landscapes in green and brown, but even when I paint them with unconventional colours, people still recognize them," he added, noting that Ontario's landscapes are more iconic than most may realize. Those who have paddled, toured, or summered in Rideau Lakes township may be struck with a sense of familiarity when they see Andrew’s depictions of Davis Lock and Chaffey's Mill, among other regional landmarks.
Averaging four paintings per month, he balances personal projects with commissions, the latter of which he finds particularly rewarding. His process involves getting to know his clients. He explores the stories, memories, and emotions clients want to preserve on canvas. "It's almost like a therapy session. I get to dig into what mood or memory they want the painting to evoke. It's my job to capture their emotional attachment to a particular image,” he noted. “Without their input, I couldn't create something truly personal.”
He also donates paintings to charity auctions for Christie Lake Kids, Ottawa Riverkeeper, and CHEO, explaining that it's his way of giving back and sharing the joy art can bring.
Andrew lives in the Glebe with his wife, Dominique, and their children—a community he says offers him endless support and inspiration. "The sense of community here, people looking out for one another and connecting through the parks and along the canal, all of this grounds me and fuels my creativity," he said.
Looking ahead, Andrew plans to organize and take part in more art exhibitions in Ottawa and Rideau Lakes over the coming year.
For more on Andrew and his art, visit his website at www.andrewdmilneart.com.
See more about Andrew’s canvases-of-kindness program.
