Born in Toronto, Peri-Laine’s first formal art lessons were from a professional artist in her neighborhood. It was through those early sessions practicing gesture and contour drawings that she began to develop her interest in furthering her artistic skills.
Peri-Laine was influenced by the rich and colourful culture of rural Mexico while attending post-secondary at the Universidad de Las Americas, and went on to complete her BA as an art major at the University of California in Berkeley.
Peri-Laine attained her teaching certification from the University of British Columbia, and completed further studies in education at both Simon Fraser University and the University of Washington. Peri-Laine taught in the public school system from 1980 until her retirement in early 2015. She is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, the BC Art Teachers Association, and the New West Artists group.
Peri-Laine has continued to expand her artistic skills in a variety of mediums, including acrylic, pen and ink, watercolour, and mixed media. She is greatly inspired by watercolour artist and nature photographer Frank Townsley, and has attended his classes for many years to develop her watercolour technique.
As an art specialist, she has taught art to children and adults in both the public and private sector. She has presented art workshops for elementary teachers at conferences and Professional Development days, and enjoys doing private workshops for small groups.
Peri-Laine Nilan - Artist 