Buy Canadian Art: New U.S. 50% Tariff Forces Vancouver Artist to Pivot Toward Home

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - EntSun -- Vancouver, British Columbia  — Canadian oil painter Graham Watts says newly imposed U.S. tariffs on original Canadian art are already changing how he plans to grow his business.

Watts, a Vancouver-based artist known for colourful Canadian landscapes, wildlife paintings and Whistler commissions, has increasingly sold original artwork to U.S. collectors in recent years.

After hearing reports that Canadian artists could be affected by new tariffs, Watts checked the treatment of an original painting that had attracted interest from an American collector.

The result was a shock.

Original paintings classified under U.S. tariff code 9701.91.00 are included in new Section 338 measures applying an additional 50% duty to specified Canadian goods.

For a painting valued at approximately $3,000 CAD, that could mean roughly $1,500 CAD in additional tariff costs, before shipping, brokerage and other applicable import expenses.

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"For an independent artist, that is an enormous change," said Watts. "A painting that was previously practical for an American collector to purchase can suddenly become financially unrealistic."

The impact is personal. Two of Watts' recent original paintings were purchased by collectors in Washington and Texas. The Texas project was a custom Whistler Blackcomb commission created to preserve memories of a trip to British Columbia.

Over approximately eight weeks, Watts designed and painted the one-of-a-kind oil painting before shipping it from Canada to Texas.

"That type of commission is extremely personal," Watts said. "It is not a mass-produced product. Adding 50% to the cost fundamentally changes whether that purchase can happen."

The tariff change is now forcing Watts to place greater emphasis on Canadian collectors.

"With the stroke of a pen, my focus changed," he said. "I can no longer assume the U.S. market will be a reliable place to grow my business. I now have to put even more energy into Canada."

Watts recently sold large original paintings to collectors in Halifax and Squamish and plans to expand his focus on Canadian exhibitions, art festivals, markets and online sales.

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He says buying Canadian art also creates a wider economic ripple effect by supporting Canadian art suppliers, galleries, framers, shipping companies and other small businesses.

"Buying Canadian art supports our economy, but it also supports our culture," Watts said. "Canadian artists document the landscapes, wildlife, cities and experiences that make this country unique."

Watts believes the current trade environment could encourage more Canadians to discover artists working within their own communities.

"Every original painting has the potential to become part of a family's story and, over time, part of Canada's cultural history."

More information:
https://grahamwatts.art/buy-canadian-art-support-canadian-artists/

Website:
https://grahamwatts.art