Brian Fray

Bio:

I studied painting, sculpture, printmaking and art history at Queen’s University, Kingston and The University of Guelph graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Art Degree. In addition to painting, I developed Brian Fray Design, offering freelance illustration and graphic design, and worked as an editorial cartoonist for many years (more about that below). After retiring, I moved to Meaford and began painting and drawing again. Although my paintings tend toward the abstract, they are deeply rooted in the beautiful landscape that surrounds us.

Below are some examples of my work. Click on the image to see the full Painting:

cartooning:

As mentioned above, I am also and avid cartoonist and created a syndicated comic strip that ran in over 100 papers in Canada, The United States and Europe. I was the art director and editorial cartoonist for The Guelph Tribune. and was awarded the 2011 Cartoonist of the Year award by the Ontario Community Newspaper Association.

Below are some examples of my cartoon work. Click on the image to see the full image:

Favourite artists:

I have no single favourite artist. I admire so many artists from Cezanne to Tom Thomson, The Group of Seven, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollack and many local more contemporary artists. When I was a teenager in Toronto there was and exhibition by Canadian artist Harold Town at our local library. I was “blown away” by his large abstract paintings. I knew then what I wanted to do.

The purpose of art:

The purpose differs depending on whether you are a creator or an observer. But hopefully, good art evokes an emotion, whether, it’s happiness, sadness, anger or whatever else the piece says to you, whether you’re making it or observing it.

My favourite adjective:

I can’t share this with a general audience!

what makes life worthwhile:

Being with my family and creating art are the greatest sources of pleasure for me. Which for me is a life well lived.