Patient and painstakingly precise as he creates masterworks in oil, Canadian artist Bruce Lawes evokes an equally dedicated passion when it comes to shaping his own artistic destiny. His first painting sale at the age of 12 confirmed his innate artistic abilities, but the direction that talent would take was not clarified until six years later, when his father brought home a stunning coffee table book titled “The Art of Robert Bateman.”

“I was absolutely mesmerized by his imagery,” Lawes says. “It brought my love for nature into focus and defined my goal to be able to paint like Bateman one day in the future.”

Setting his sights on a career as a professional artist, Lawes says, “Once I made that decision, I only engaged in jobs which benefited my ability to pursue my art.

Bruce Lawes (Canada)

Paint, Over Time
Oil
20″x26″
“This is a painting depicting the great relationship we have with our beloved horses. This beautiful paint horse is featured with his owner, whose body is equally painted from the ravages of time. While his sun-damaged face created a wonderful character study, it’s the love and dedication he shows for his horse that truly represents the man. This is a bond he will never be denied, until he passes, which will probably be in the saddle.”

Bruce Lawes (Canada)

Light the Way
Oil
13″x20″
“This is a beautiful depiction of a lynx commonly found in northern and mixed forests and is extremely agile in the winter snow, as their snowshoe-like paws allow them to stay atop the snow, while pursuing their prey. This painting shows the lynx at rest, but always alert to prey or danger, as he looks to the light with anticipation.”