Brent Townsend at Benjamin Art Gallery

Brent Townsend was born in Toronto in 1962. At the age of ten he discovered his talent for drawing and by the age of twelve his teachers were purchasing his work.

Many collectors in North America are proud owners of one of Brent Townsend's supremely detailed views of the North American wilderness, but almost every Canadian has a piece of Townsend art in their possession-in their pockets or change purse. His is the polar bear image on Canada's two dollar coin, affectionately know as the "toonie."

That is only one of the acknowledgments that Townsend is one of Canada's favorite and foremost wildlife artists. In fact, he was both the first Canadian and the youngest person ever to be named "Artist of the Year" by the 1989 Western and Wildlife Art Exhibition. Pretty impressive for a man who is essentially self-taught.

Brent started painting in acrylic, but changed to oils. It allows him the freedom to create his own textures and offers the possibility of layering pigment. With this he has the opportunity to capture the diversity of intricate detail that distinguishes his work from that of other artisits.

His incredible detail, yet clear and precise art has gained admirers across the world. Named the featured artist at the Vancouver International Wildlife Art Show and a participant of the World Wildlife Fund's "Spirit of the Wild" Show. He was also one of just five artists asked to exhibit with the Canadian Wildlife Art Exhibition in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan.

Townsend's passion for the outdoors, combined with his talent, allows him to create works of art that aren't just portraits of wildlife, but scenes that relay the intimate connection the animals have with their habitat. "I try to capture a feeling that expresses the fascination I have for the world around us."

Although he studied commercial art at the Wexford Collegiate Institute, Brent is essentially a self-taught artist, and was inspired by Carl Rungius, Andrew Wyeth and other artists who, in his words "paint wih their own independent spirit."

Buy Available Brent Townsend collectibles today!

Open Ridge (Prints)