ASHLEY BURNETT: LIFE OF AN ARTIST

by Ellen Nguyen

She has long been a collector of unique pieces of art and when traveling, has been known to bring home large paintings on the plane instead of a carry on bag. Ashley is most drawn to art that is different, clever, and a little cheeky,  and strongly believes that as long as you love a piece, it belongs in your home, whether it matches the curtains or not.

I first saw Ashley Burnett’s artwork in a store window in Downtown Mission and had to find out who the artist was. Her artwork explodes with color, while her dynamic lines draw you into the beauty of her subjects.

Ashley Burnett, a local painter based in Mission, has been capturing the hearts of art enthusiasts with her vibrant and dynamic creations. Living in Hatzic with her husband, their 4-year-old son, and their dog, Catalina Winemixer, Ashley's journey into the world of art is both inspiring and refreshing.

Ashley and her husband relocated from Coquitlam to Mission nine years ago for financial reasons. However, what started as a practical decision soon turned into a love affair with their new surroundings. They found themselves enchanted by the natural beauty, welcoming community, and the relaxed pace of life that Mission offers.

Despite having no formal fine arts education or training, Ashley has always been passionate about visual design and creating things. From a young age, she was the kid who would rearrange her bedroom furniture and redecorate 
her walls late into the night. Her innate love for bright colours and unique designs has always been evident.

In 2024, Ashley began to take her art more seriously, pursuing shows, art collectors, and a stronger social media presence. It was a question from a good friend that sparked this change: "If you could have any job, what would it be? What are you most passionate about?" Despite having put painting on the back burner while navigating motherhood, the pandemic, and her 9-5 job, Ashley's immediate response was, "Painting. I would be a painter." Her friend's simple reply, "Then you should probably go be a painter," set her on a new path.

Since that pivotal conversation, Ashley has dedicated herself to painting every chance she gets. She recently participated in the Sip and Stroll Art Walk in Mission, and has several upcoming shows, including the Small Shop Market in Fort Langley in September and The Under $100 Art Show in Vancouver in November.
​
​Locally, Ashley's work can be found at Goldenball Mercantile in Downtown Mission. For those who can't make it in person, her vibrant creations are also available online at www.instagram.com/ashleybpainting.