Liz Mitten Ryan is a dedicated conservationist and a true philanthropist. Liz works with conservation groups throughout the world bringing awareness to areas and species in need of protection.

A native of Vancouver, Mitten Ryan’s art training began at Heatherley’s School of Fine Art in London, England. She then went on to study arts at the University of British Columbia, also taking technique and colour courses from Peter Aspell, formerly a senior instructor at the Vancouver School of Art.

Among her many achievements, Liz was B.C. Wildlife artist of the year in 1993 and 1995; Ducks Unlimited National artist for 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998; Habitat Canada conservation stamp winner for 1998; commissioned by the Canadian Mint for the two dollar coin; feature artist of the Vancouver Aquarium, founding artist of EarthWild International and supporting artist of World Wildlife Fund. Her work is owned by various well-known collectors such as the Government of British Columbia; Maurice Strong; West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd., Vancouver; US. Vice President Al Gore; and England’s Prince Philip.

Since making the move in 1999 from the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia to the interior ranching country, Liz has added Nicola Valley ranching scenes to her already broad range of artistic work. Her unique “wide angle” paintings depict the local ranching life—the cattle, cowboys and sunkissed grasslands that characterize the Thompson-Nicola area. Liz’s special love for horses is not only evident in her work but very obvious in the way her equine buddies are treated like family. She can often be seen hugging and snuggling her horses or their babies, often sitting on the ground with a sleeping animal’s head in her lap. Her dozen or so horses have often become the subject of her art.

Liz and her architect husband enjoy their quiet, meditative and rural lifestyle on 320 acres near Stump Lake in the interior of British Columbia.

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