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Paul Van Ginkel’s
life is all about the
view.
A n d t h a t v i e w i s
breathtaking when you’re
standing on the balcony
of his southwest home, at
the edge of the city limits,
staring at the Rocky
Mountains not too far
beyond the grazing horses
and the spilling sun in the
gently rolling hills.
Paul is widely celebrated
for his unique
Western-themed paintings,
but his masterpiece
of a home, designed by
his architect-wife, Kristin, is a work of art of its own.
The house also doubles as Paul’s studio and gallery,
an element that was considered in the design of the plain
walls, left open to display artwork, and the extra-wide hallways,
allowing room to admire whatever is hung on the
walls.
“Every wall is fair game in a gallery house,” Paul
laughs, at his painting-lined walls.
“Kristin and I designed and built our home to showcase
my work in a very unique and stimulating setting.”
And unique it is. Paul and Kristin’s decorating began
with a 55-ft. container of treasures, carefully chosen during
a one-month trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, in
2004, and bearing items such as furniture, heavy 400-yearold
mesquite doors, 45 light fixtures including an elaborate
Mexican chandelier and a spiral wrought-iron staircase for
Paul’s studio.
Additional touches, such as a large collection of crosses,
Mexican bowls that double as sinks and barnboard plank
floors that create an excellent echo when struck with a
heel, add to the rustic feel.
As a self-proclaimed small business owner, Paul knows
the esthetics of his gallery and home are an important element
of the job.
“First and foremost I’m an artist, but I also focus on the
business side of it — marketing, selling, promoting and
so on.
“I look at that as an artform in itself and a great challenge.”
A challenge that he meets every four months, by inviting
up to 200 guests into their home to experience an evening
of first-class food, drink, entertainment, art and, of course,
the magnificent view.
“Our motivation is to show our appreciation to loyal
patrons and encourage new collectors,” Paul says of doing
business in a low-key, social environment.
For example, a show last month featured a live Flamenco
performance, while featuring Flamenco paintings
inspired by a research trip to Spain.
“It’s a soft-sell approach. During our home shows, one
has the opportunity to experience the art and purchase
directly from me.”
After working as a full-time fine art painter for 18 years,
Paul’s view on his success in the art world mimics the ease
of the scene beyond his balcony.
“To be successful in the art world, one can’t be stressed
by the unknown, for there are no guarantees,” he says.
“I’m inspired by this because anything can happen.”
PaulVan Ginkel
VAN GINKEL VISUALS LTD.
37
If his veteran status in the field affords him some comforts,
he got where he is by working hard and taking risks.
“I wasn’t the best art student. However, I was one of the
hardest working.
“A lot of people think you’re born with talent, but I feel
you’re probably born with the inspiration and motivation
to pursue it.”
Paul, who moved to Calgary with his family at age 13,
discovered his motivation through an interest in the cowboy
culture.
“I was completely fascinated with cowboys and Indians,
the Native culture and history, and everything they represent.”
he says.
“When it came time to choose a subject as a professional
artist, it was natural for me to choose Western themes.”
And it’s a theme Calgarians embrace, evident by Paul’s
participation in the Stampede auction since 1987.
“The 14 consecutive years I exhibited at the Western
Showcase of the Calgary Stampede was the most significant
component to launching my art career,” he says, of the
event that draws an estimated 300,000 people each year.
While Calgarians embrace all his work, Paul embraces
the opportunity to contribute to a thriving culture.
“My pieces don’t just decorate, they command attention.
People buy my work to make a statement in their home or
office.
“When someone feels connected to a painting they purchase,
there’s a stronger sense of ownership and passion.
They also want others to react and engage. When this happens,
the art initiates a cultural exchange and interaction.”