James L. Keirstead

James Lorimer Keirstead is the eldest (and most well-known) of a talented family of artists.  He was born in Saint John, N.B., Canada in 1932, (the same year “The Group of Seven” disbanded), and knew from the time he was a young boy, that he wanted to be an artist.  However, it was 1965 before he took the precarious plunge into the art world. 

Few living artists can claim the popularity that James Lorimer Keirstead enjoys today.  Admittedly a driven artist, he has produced an amazing number of paintings – far ranging in subject but always distinctively Keirstead.  Painting mainly with knives and oils he creates sharp, clear, boldly textured works that for many help establish an elusive Canadian identity.

Keirstead’s first paintings were of Ontario, the landscapes, the homes and barns, and old mills for which he is probably best known.  Next it was Quebec and the coves and outposts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.  Crossing Canada, Keirstead painted the mountain grandeur of Alberta and B.C., and the spectacular B.C. Coast. 

Now his subjects are international, the land and wildlife of Kenya, East Africa – Arizona’s desert canyons – and England in 1992 and 1993.  Keirstead's English paintings of scenes from the Cotswolds, Devon & Derbyshire, feature blazing roses set against grey gold stone-walled cottages and village streets and gardens. 

In May 1993 he held his 108th one-man show, and in June, 1993 Mr. Keirstead was honoured by being appointed the “Art Advisor” to the Ontario Provincial Police, replacing the renowned Dr. A.J. Casson of “The Group of Seven”.  The “Art Advisor” is called upon to assist with investigations involving works of art.

“I hope that my interpretations in paint help everyone see the beauty that is Canada and inspire all to appreciate our national heritage.”