Ross Buckland

Ross Buckland

ADVENTURE.

Born in Calgary, Alberta in April 1958, Ross Buckland experienced a childhood marked by frequent relocations due to his father’s job, eventually settling in Ontario. Despite the moves, Ross cherished summer visits to his grandparents in Calgary, relishing the excitement of the Stampede, horse camps in the Alberta foothills, and fishing trips to the Okanagan. These experiences ignited a passion for adventure and aviation, sparked by the thrill of flights from Toronto to Calgary.

Buckland’s fascination with aircraft found expression through building plastic models and sketching airplanes, leading to flight lessons as soon as he was of age. Initially intent on pursuing a career in aviation, he relocated to Calgary to instruct flying and accumulate flight hours for an airline position. However, the challenging job market for pilots in the early 1980s, coupled with a diagnosis of mild colorblindness, redirected his career path to a ground role with a major airline. Despite this shift, his love for aviation persisted, complemented by newfound interests in drawing and painting.

Lacking formal art training beyond high school classes, Ross embarked on a self-directed journey of artistic exploration, drawing inspiration from aviation masters like Frank Wootton, Keith Ferris, and R.G. Smith. Visits to institutions such as the Air and Space Museum in Washington provided invaluable learning opportunities.

Over time, Ross honed his craft, garnering recognition through awards at esteemed exhibitions like ArtFlight at the National Aviation Museum in Ottawa and the Horizons of Flight in Dallas.

Buckland’s artwork, which often integrates aviation with landscapes, draws from a diverse array of influences, ranging from Sargent and Payne to contemporary artists like Aspevig and Christensen. He continually strives to refine his style while expressing his deep appreciation for aviation and the natural world.