Commemorative Paintings

Every painting tells a story, but some carry a particular sense of honour and responsibility. When I have the opportunity to paint someone who has made an impact on others, I want to capture more than a face. I think about the person, their accomplishments, their legacy, and the moment I want the painting to preserve.

Being entrusted with that work is something I never take lightly. Above all, I want to do justice to the individual I am painting.

Peter C. Newman

One of my most meaningful experiences was the opportunity to meet and paint Canadian author and journalist Peter C. Newman. His contributions to Canadian history, politics, journalism, and literature made him a remarkable figure. He was also a Companion of the Order of Canada.

I had the privilege of meeting Peter privately, which made painting him even more meaningful. Rather than creating a formal portrait, I wanted to capture a moment from his life: Peter relaxed aboard a sailboat, in a setting that meant something to him.

For me, that was the key to the painting. I wasn’t just trying to capture what Peter looked like. I wanted to capture something about who he was.

I eventually presented the painting to Peter over lunch. He appreciated it, and I believe what touched him most was knowing that someone had taken the time to create a portrait of him. That moment stayed with me.

As an artist, you spend countless hours alone with a canvas, wondering whether you have captured what you intended. Placing the finished painting in the hands of the person who inspired it brings an entirely different feeling—an honour that is difficult to put into words.

Brigadier-General James Simpson

Another painting that holds tremendous meaning for me is the portrait I created of Brigadier-General James Simpson with his great-grandson. James was a good friend, which made the painting particularly personal.

His great-grandson wore a replica of James’s World War II pilot jacket, while James held his flight log. Those details represented much more than a family photograph. They connected his service in the Air Force with a later generation of his family.

I felt it was a wonderful way to honour what James had accomplished while recognizing the family and legacy he was leaving behind. Being able to present that painting to him meant a great deal to me.

Corey Conners

I have also had the privilege of painting Canadian professional golfer Corey Conners. For his portrait, I wanted to capture one of golf’s recognizable moments: the concentration and power of a swing.

I was able to present the painting to Corey through one of his relatives. That was already a special experience, but something happened afterward that made it even more meaningful.

I recently obtained a photograph of Corey holding the finished painting. As an artist, seeing your work become part of someone’s life is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that the painting has a place in his home makes me proud, and reminds me that a painting can take on a life of its own once it leaves the studio.

The Weber Brothers

Another memorable experience came through my painting of the Weber Brothers. I captured them during an acoustic performance at Signal Brewery. Something about that moment caught my attention and inspired me to put it onto canvas.

Eventually, the brothers tracked down the painting through a friend on Facebook. They reached out because they wanted to use it for their album, Acüsta. That was an incredible compliment.

You hope that something you create will connect with people. Having my painting become part of their musical project—and appear on an album cover—was something I was extremely proud of. I was honoured to have my artwork become part of their story.

Bill McBurney

I had the opportunity to capture Bill McBurney during an intimate acoustic performance in a backyard. The simplicity of the setting appealed to me: people, instruments, music, and a quiet moment together.

I was very proud to present the painting to Bill. What happened afterward is something I will always remember: he reached out to find me personally so he could thank me for it. That meant a great deal. Those are the moments that remind me why I paint.

More than a portrait

Looking back at these experiences, I see what the paintings have in common. They are about people who have inspired others—through history, family, music, sport, friendship, and personal moments. Above all, they are about connection.

When I paint someone, I don’t want simply to reproduce a photograph. I want to capture something that tells a story. Sometimes that story is about a remarkable career or a family’s legacy. Sometimes it is a quiet moment that reveals the person behind the public figure.

Presenting the finished work is a privilege I will never take for granted. By then, I have spent hours, days, or much longer with the canvas, thinking about the person’s story and making countless decisions with my brush. Finally, I get to place the painting in their hands.

For me, oil painting is about preserving a moment, telling a story, and recognizing the people who have made a difference. It can also give someone a chance to see themselves through an artist’s eyes.

Being able to say, “I painted that person,” is something to be proud of. Being able to say, “I had the honour of presenting that painting to them,” is something I will cherish forever.

You can find more paintings about family and remembrance in Family Portraits and Memoriam.

Thank you,
Chris