Thelma Van Alstyne
(1913–)
(–2008)
Thelma Van Alstyne
1913–2008
Thelma Van Alstyne (1913–2008), born Thelma Selina Scribbans, was a Canadian painter born in Victoria, British Columbia. A deeply spiritual woman, Van Alstyne created abstract paintings using watercolours, pastels, and oil paints. She was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Art in 1977.
Despite attending the Vancouver School of Art, Van Alstyne was mostly self-taught. When she was in her 30s, abstract painter Jock MacDonald encouraged her to continue painting despite her lack of formal training. After moving to Toronto, Van Alstyne became active in the Toronto art scene, and her work was exhibited at the Pollok Gallery.
Van Alstyne’s spirituality deeply impacted her life and work. Embracing both Buddhism and Christianity, her subjects were inspired by the divine and her experiences with nature. At the age of 73, she began teaching Tai Chi. She passed away in Port Hope, Ontario, in 2008.