Over the past twelve years, if you have been following Toque & Canoe, you may have noticed our enthusiasm for the intersection of art and nature in Canada.
For instance, we were thrilled to showcase landscape painter Charlie Easton from British Columbia and his stunning piece “Lake Milky Way” on Earth Day in 2022.
Earlier, we also featured a rare and intimate photograph of a well-fed polar bear in Nunavut, captured by Calgary fine art photographer and wilderness guide Natalie Gillis.
Additionally, we enjoyed a conversation with Kurt Swinghammer from Ontario, diving into the influences behind his unique giclee print of the common loon.
As part of this ongoing tradition—which our readers seem to appreciate—we are excited to introduce oil painter Julie Lamoureux as one of our featured Canadian artists.
Thank you, Julie, for allowing us to showcase your work and for sharing your inspiring story with us.
T&C: You relocated to Canmore, Alberta from Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2017. At that time, you primarily focused on landscape painting. What changed?
JL: After years of painting landscapes, I adopted a rescue dog, a Bichon Frisé named Bucky, and began painting him. A few months into this practice, I realized that I had a greater aptitude for capturing furry creatures than landscapes.
I painted my first grizzly bear in 2018, and the rest is history.
T&C: You’ve titled this artwork “I Will Follow You.” Can you elaborate on that?
JL: In the painting, the bear cub is closely following her mother, learning what it takes to survive as a bear, just like countless generations of grizzlies before her.
This cub not only follows her mother but also connects with the lineage of grizzlies that came before her. She represents the future of grizzly bear populations.
T&C: What inspired this painting?
JL: The artwork is based (with permission) on a photograph taken by Canmore photographer Jonathan Huyer. The mother grizzly and her cub were photographed at the north end of Chilko Lake in B.C.
His series of images from this area inspired my first attempts at painting grizzlies. I am grateful to Jon for steering me in this direction and for his ethical approach to wildlife photography.
T&C: What do you enjoy most about painting grizzly bears?
JL: I love the rounded shapes of bears as well as the plums, blues, and browns in their fur. Their long fur and striking golden eyes captivate me.
When painting the eyes, I take my time to layer the colors, ensuring the pupils and sparkle are added only when I am certain of the best position.
T&C: What thoughts filled your mind while working on “I Will Follow You”?
JL: While painting the cub, I found her adorably charming—her large head and compact body made me want to kiss her at times. At the same time, I felt sadness, reflecting on the challenges that grizzly mothers face in teaching their cubs to thrive in a world where human activities increasingly threaten their existence.
T&C: Are there any conservation efforts that are particularly important to you?
JL: Living in Canmore, I am deeply concerned about ongoing developments that continue to damage wildlife habitats, particularly for apex predators that are already at risk in many areas.
There’s a group called Bow Valley Engage that is actively opposing a proposed development threatening an essential wildlife corridor.
T&C: What is the best compliment you’ve received regarding your grizzly bear portraits?
JL: I once witnessed a non-collector fall in love with one of my pieces so profoundly that she returned to the gallery three times that afternoon and left as a first-time art buyer.
It’s fascinating to see how a psychological shift occurs when someone transitions from a non-collector to a collector—all sparked by the feeling of love for the artwork.
T&C: When you travel across Canada, do you have wildlife locations in mind?
JL: I believe I live in the best part of Canada for the wildlife I enjoy painting. Recently, I had a perfect encounter with Nakoda, the white grizzly bear, during a hike.
It was an ideal situation—at a safe distance, watching the bear calmly walk away, allowing us a memorable glimpse before it vanished into the trees.
Growing up in Manitoba, visiting Churchill to see polar bears is definitely on my bucket list; that would be an incredible experience.
T&C: What legacy do you hope to leave as an artist?
JL: When a wildlife enthusiast or someone who loves the regions where grizzlies roam brings one of my paintings into their home, I hope it serves as a reminder that wildlife and their habitats are worth protecting.
My artwork has also connected me with individual conservationists and organizations, which is meaningful because effective conservation will require a broad base of individuals advocating for the protection of our natural world.
I would be delighted if my paintings inspire awareness that leads to action.
T&C: Where is this painting currently, and what does your artistic future look like?
JL: This painting has been purchased by a private collector who shares my passion for bears and conservation, which warms my heart.
As for future subjects? It will be bears, bears, and more bears! They are iconic creatures, and it’s a true privilege to paint them.
Editor’s note: Julie Lamoureux’s work is showcased at The Avens Gallery in Canmore, Alberta. You can find her on Instagram @julielamoureuxart
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