 Canadian Artist Bernard Major |
'Bernie' made his transition to oil paints several years ago after being a watercolourist most of his adult life. Since then he has immersed himself in this wonderful medium, exploring its endless qualities. A style has emerged rich in colour and texture. This has been achieved while preserving the translucent effect he so loved with water colours. His subjects are wide and varied; from landscapes to still life, from portraits to boats and from animals to life models. He explains, 'Choosing a subject for a new painting is the first important step. I have to feel compelled to paint the subject matter, telling the story I can see is there. Once this is decided, I become absorbed in the process until I am ready to sign the painting'.
Bernie is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists with numerous juried competitions to his credit. He also belongs to the G10 Group of Artists, who meet every week for life drawing sessions at Crescent Beach. He has won numerous awards including 'The Alan Wylie SFCA Award' for a self portrait study. A keen 'pleine air' artist, Bernie has also journeyed on painting trips to France, The West Coast of England, San Miguel de Allende and various parts of Canada and the USA. A trip to Ireland is in the planning stage for 2007.
Born in London, England Bernie served in the military and then joined the London Metropolitan Police, where he worked as Scotland Yard detective before emigrating to Canada in 1969. He started his own private investigation company which he ran until he retired in 1999 when he devoted all his energy to painting.
Bernie lives with his wife Sue, his Labrador Retrievers and cats on acreage in South Langley, British Columbia. On his farm he has an old barn which he converted into his studio. 'It's perfect! Spacious, high ceilings and lots of atmosphere'. One of his greatest pleasures is the weekly get-together to paint in his studio with artist friends. Bernie has participated in many group shows. These include the Federation of Canadian Artists, the G10 group of Artists, Delta Arts Council 'Arts Pacific' and the White Rock and Surrey Arts Councils. His work can be seen in the Art-Concept Gallery.
Bernie's other passion is music. He plays the tenor saxophone in the Langley Concert Band. Often, he and Sue take time out to play music together, Sue on her Clavinova piano and Bernie on his sax.
Bernie's other passion is music. He plays the tenor saxophone in the Langley Concert Band. Often, he and Sue take time out to play music together, Sue on her Clavinova piano and Bernie on his sax.
To view more of Bernard's artwork, please go to his new website!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Bernard Major
1350-235th St, Langley B.C.
Canada V2Z 2Y4
Phone: (604) 533-8414
E-mail: bhmajor@shaw.ca Website: www.bernardmajor.com
Return to Art In Canada´s Homepage Gallery