Glen McMinn
Glen McMinn is an artist whose striking oil paintings are celebrated for their technical precision, bold compositions, and evocative use of color. His style blends realism with a touch of interpretation, creating moody, atmospheric works that feel grounded in everyday life while inviting viewers to uncover deeper, more personal narratives.
Subtle details—muted color palettes, meticulous compositions, and the play of light—enhance the emotional depth of his pieces, while the human figure and familiar objects serve as conduits for exploring broader, universal themes like isolation, memory, and transition. McMinn’s ability to seamlessly weave personal stories with cultural ideas allows his work to resonate powerfully, evoking a sense of reflection and connection in his audience.
McMinn began painting in his late teens before pursuing his architecture degree at Dalhousie University (formerly TUNS). He honed his ability to visually communicate mood and tone working in the film industry in various roles culminating as a Gemini-nominated Production Designer. McMinn also co-founded Breakhouse, an award-winning design firm creating flagship environments for national brands such as Bell, Wind Mobile, and Kelsey’s, as well as beloved Halifax destinations such as Jane’s on the Commons, FRED, and Edna. In 2019, McMinn left the corporate world to focus exclusively on his art. McMinn’s work—realistic oil paintings ranging up to 6’x8’ in size—predominantly features the human form as well as objects from hockey, of which Glen is a die-hard fan. “Hockey has always been a huge part of my life, so it naturally shows up in my painting,” says McMinn. “But it’s never really about hockey, but rather a language or conduit to explore more universal themes like tolerance, family, belonging and identity.”
Aside from McMinn’s technical ability, striking use of composition and colour, and the
size and scale of his work, McMinn has gained a reputation for the deeply personal
stories behind his paintings that resonate with their viewers.
McMinn has also garnered attention for his significant collaborations. In 2021, he developed a project with Canadian icon, Ken Dryden, former Member of Parliament, esteemed author, lawyer, educator, and Stanley Cup-winning goalie for the Montreal Canadiens. In 2022, McMinn partnered with Nova Scotia native and Boston Bruin, Brad Marchand, on a fundraising project for an injured young hockey player. And in 2023, McMinn worked with the QEII Foundation around a cancer fundraising initiative.