Background ...

James Picard hardly ever sleeps. Inwardly aware that every minute counts, James works feverishly, seizing all opportunities to create the vivid and vibrant images his mind conjures up and transfer them onto a canvas. Driven by the need to create, sleep doesn’t come easy. While most of the world slumbers, James can be found painting, drawing, sketching or sculpting. His reluctance to rest is a clear reflection of his drive and passion.

“I feel a strong sense of responsibility to art itself. I need to translate the imagery that I see in the world and in my mind onto canvas for everyone to observe, feel and hopefully come to appreciate the beauty and wonder that is art,” says Picard.

In “James Picard: Off The Canvas”, a documentary film about the artist, Picard describes how, as a young boy, he often drew on the backs of cupboard doors or under the sheets by flashlight in order to hide his compulsion for creating. He knew from a young age that art would undoubtedly be the pathway which would allow him to truly express himself. At the age of nineteen, his talents drew him to prestigious art schools such as Sheridan College and the Ontario College of Art, where he began to foster the artistic talent he knew he had all along through formal studies.

Eager to further develop his skills after completing art school, his talents flourished when he began to apprentice for well-known artists such as Cuban artist Ramon Amor, Canadian sculptor Thaddeus Szpelowitz and notable Canadian artist Harold Town. It was through his apprenticeships that Picard was able to learn how to convey his messages and visions into any art form.

Picard has since shown extensively in over seventy different art exhibitions throughout North America and Europe. His work, prized by an ever growing number of collectors, can be seen in both public and private collections across Canada, the United States, London, Paris, Japan, German, Spain and Australia. His art is now being exhibited next to world renowned legends such as Picasso, Matisse, Miro and Warhol.

In 1987, he won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the International Art Competition in New York and has received numerous other awards and accolades for his work and contribution to the community.

When James Picard is not painting, he is teaching others how to paint. Whether it be in Vancouver or New York, his instructing talents in painting, drawing and sculpting are recognized and well-respected. He has been commended for his work with inner city kids and for starting up the first sculpture class for visually impaired students in the province of British Columbia.

Currently being exhibited around the world, James Picard will continue to amaze us with his indisputable artistic gifts.

for press or further inquiries, please contact:

James Picard

or
Chris Westbrook,
director of RM Fine Art, London, England