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

Why Buy Canadian Art Matters More Than Ever

Vancouver, British Columbia - September 2026 - 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, after discovering that an original painting shipped to an American collector could now face an additional 50% tariff.

Watts, a Vancouver-based artist known for colourful Canadian landscapes, wildlife paintings and Whistler commissions, has increasingly sold original artwork to collectors in the United States over the past several years.

That changed almost overnight.

After hearing reports that Canadian artists could be affected by new U.S. tariffs, Watts checked the tariff treatment on 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 the 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.

"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."

Recent U.S. Sales Show the Potential Impact

The United States has become an important market for Watts.

Two of his recent original paintings were purchased by collectors in Washington and Texas.

The Texas project was a custom Whistler Blackcomb commission created for a collector who wanted to preserve memories of a trip to British Columbia.

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

Under the new tariff structure, a similar transaction could carry a substantially higher import cost.

"That type of commission is extremely personal," Watts said. "It is not a mass-produced product. It is something created specifically around a collector's memory and experience. Adding 50% to the cost fundamentally changes whether that purchase can happen."

Canadian Market Becomes a Greater Priority

Watts says the change has forced him to rethink his growth strategy.

"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 Canadian collectors."

Watts already sells artwork across Canada and recently sold large original paintings to collectors in Halifax and Squamish.

He plans to increase his focus on Canadian exhibitions, art festivals, markets and online sales while also exploring additional opportunities in Europe and Asia.

Why Buying Canadian Art Matters

Watts says the impact of buying Canadian artwork reaches well beyond the artist.

His materials are purchased through Canadian suppliers, including local art retailers in Vancouver. Paintings are exhibited through local galleries and shipped using Canadian services. Framers, printers, photographers, event organizers and other small businesses can also benefit from the broader arts economy.

"A Canadian art purchase has a ripple effect," Watts said. "It supports artists, galleries, retailers, shipping companies and other businesses that are part of the creative community."

He also believes the cultural value is equally important.

Watts' work often depicts British Columbia landscapes, Vancouver streets, Whistler mountains and Canadian wildlife.

"One of the things Canadian artists do is document our experience of this country," he said. "We interpret the places, wildlife and moments that make Canada what it is."

One example is Watts' painting of the historic Hudson's Bay building in downtown Vancouver, depicted on a dark, rainy night surrounded by reflected city light.

The painting was purchased by a Canadian collector and, Watts says, has taken on new meaning as Vancouver and Canadian institutions continue to change.

"Original art can become a historical record without necessarily being created as one," he said. "It captures how an artist saw a particular place at a particular moment in time."

Supporting Artists Does Not Require a Large Budget

Watts also wants Canadian collectors to understand that supporting local artists does not require purchasing large or expensive artwork.

"You don't need the more expensive option," he said. "A small handmade painting that connects to a memory can be far more meaningful than something mass-produced simply to fill a wall."

Watts believes this distinction is becoming more important as homes and online spaces become increasingly filled with mass-produced décor, print-on-demand products and AI-generated imagery.

"An original painting has one set of brushstrokes and one history," he said. "There is only one of it."

Buy Canadian, Support Canadian Artists

Watts believes the current trade environment could ultimately encourage Canadians to look more closely at artists and small businesses within their own communities.

"This is a difficult period, but it may also be an opportunity for Canadians to rediscover the incredible artists working across this country," he said.

"Buying Canadian art supports our economy, but it also supports our culture. Every original painting has the potential to become part of a family's story and, over time, part of Canada's cultural history." https://grahamwatts.art/buy-canadian-art-support-canadian-artists/

Graham Watts Art
1704 Charles St, Vancouver, BC V5L 2T5
https://grahamwatts.art

About Graham Watts

Graham Watts is a Canadian oil painter based in British Columbia whose work focuses on Canadian landscapes, wildlife, Vancouver cityscapes and Whistler mountain scenes.

His paintings are known for bold colour, movement and highly textured oil painting techniques. His work is held by private collectors across Canada, the United States and internationally.

Watts also creates custom commissioned paintings designed around meaningful places, travel experiences, wildlife and personal memories.

Website: GrahamWatts.art

Media Contact

Graham Watts
Canadian Artist
Vancouver, British Columbia
https://grahamwatts.art

This release was published on openPR.