Prairie Stories Told Through Colour & Canvas
My inspiration
I’m a Canadian artist based in Medicine Hat, Alberta. I create vibrant acrylic and oil paintings inspired by prairie landscapes, florals, and the charm of small-town life. My work captures the movement, memory, and beauty of the Canadian prairies, reimagining the everyday in bold colour and expressive brushwork.
From blooming sunflowers to historic homes and golden fields, my art celebrates the visual stories that shape the land and people of Western Canada.
A little about me
After earning my BFA from the University of Calgary, I’ve spent the past decade sharing my work through galleries, public collections, exhibitions, and private commissions across Alberta and beyond.
Whether you’re a collector, curator, a corporate client, or a prairie art enthusiast seeking a custom piece, my goal is to craft artwork that not only brightens your space but also honours your memories. I invite you to explore my available originals or discuss creating something meaningful and personal through a custom commission.
The “key” to deeper meaning
What truly sets my art apart is the tradition of embedding a key within every painting. This key, whether chosen from my studio’s collection or provided by you, becomes a symbol of memory, discovery, and personal connection. It’s a little secret woven into the layers, a reminder that every place and every story deserves to be unlocked and celebrated.
The key is my signature element that symbolizes discovery, connection, and the unlocking of new perspectives. For me, the key is more than a motif; it’s an invitation for you to look deeper, explore personal meaning, and find something uniquely your own within my art.
The Heart Behind Each Painting: My Signature Cradleboards
Every piece I create starts with a foundation that’s as meaningful as the art itself—my custom-built birch cradleboards. Crafted in-house (often with a little help from my husband), these deep, sturdy panels are more than just a surface; they’re part of my creative process and my promise of quality.
Each cradleboard is carefully constructed for durability and depth, sealed with GAC 100, gessoed multiple times and designed to showcase the luminous layers and vibrant colours that define my work. The sides are signed—a subtle signature of authenticity and care.
Why Birch Cradleboards? Birch offers a strong, smooth surface that brings out the best in acrylics and oils. The 2.75” depth gives each painting a presence in the room, making it a true statement piece—no frame required (though custom framing is always available).
The Story Behind My Signature: The “Lazy TE”
When I first started painting in acrylics, I found myself facing a small but meaningful challenge—how to sign my work. My full name, “Theresa Eisenbarth,” felt too long to paint neatly on the front of each piece, and advice from other artists didn’t quite fit. I wanted something personal and distinctive.
That’s when I thought of my husband, Terry. We share the same first initial, and years ago, Terry created his own “TE” brand—turned 90 degrees and affectionately called the “lazy TE”—to mark his tools on the family farm north of Medicine Hat. It was his unique way of leaving a personal stamp on what mattered to him.
Inspired by this, I adopted the “lazy TE” as my own signature. Now, every painting I create is signed on the front with this symbol—sometimes in marker for acrylics, sometimes painted with a brush in oils. On the side of each custom birch cradleboard, I sign my full name or “TE Eisenbarth,” adding a sculptural touch that catches the eye as you pass by. My signature isn’t just a mark; it’s a story, a nod to family, and a symbol of the connection I hope each painting brings.
My Credentials
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Theresa’s art training includes a B.F.A. degree from the University of Calgary and a Diploma in Visual Studies (now called Art + Design) from Medicine Hat College.
Theresa has studied with Calgary artist Doug Swinton and British Columbian artist David Langevin.
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2025
Jasper Museum and Cultural Centre - Summer 2025
ArtRoom Group Show - November 2025
2024
Art In Motion Group Show - Esplanade Duggen House
2023
ArtRoom Group Show
2022
Framing and Art Centre Gallery “Neighbour Collection” SOLO Show - Medicine Hat, May
Mastrius Art Exhibition
2021
Esplanade Arts Gallery, Hat Art Club Group Exhibition, “Made in Isolation” | Medicine Hat July to August
2020
Esplanade Arts Gallery Solo Exhibition – “Walking the Flats “| Medicine Hat, June to August
2018
Alberta Culture Days, Street Art Exhibition, | Medicine Hat – September
2017
Cypress Club Exhibition - “Art + Scotch” | Medicine Hat · October - December
2016
Private Cypress Club - SOLO Exhibition, “Small Works” | Medicine Hat September
Medicine Hat Public Library - Group Exhibition, “Common Passion” | Medicine Hat January
2015
Willow at Wascana Lake - SOLO Show | Regina, SK, August-October
Paradise Valley Golf Course Exhibition | Medicine Hat, September
2014
Essence - Solo Show | The Hive Artists’ Gallery Medicine Hat - July
Pinkilish Confidence - Cypress Club Medicine Hat - October 2014
2013
Hat Art Club - Group Exhibition | Esplanade Gallery Medicine Hat - June
Open Studio Program | Medalta Yuill Gallery Medicine Hat - June
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2021
Esplanade, Hat Art Club “Made in Isolation” | Third Prize, Best in Show Painting Award - July
2015
Exhibition and Stampede | Donna Maclean Painting Award - July
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Annie McQuire's Interiors - Medicine Hat, AB
Framing and Art Centre - Medicine Hat, AB
Rothwell Gallery - Ottawa, ON
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ACACA - Alberta Community Arts Club Association
Mastrius Mentorship group
Hat Art Club | Medicine Hat
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Theresa has been teaching acrylic painting for the past five years; she offers single sessions, group classes and workshops. She also hosts other artists to run workshops from outside the geographical area yearly.
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Acrylic & Oil Painting, Mixed Media Artwork on birch panel and cradleboards. Birchwood panels provide a solid foundation for Theresa’s multitude of mark-making. Each art-piece comes ready to hang in a contemporary style with signed, dark sides and two layers of archival and UV varnish.