Brent Townsend

Artist Biography

Brent Townsend was born in suburban Toronto in 1962. It was around the age of ten that he discovered his talent for drawing and by the age of twelve his teachers were purchasing his work. This newfound income offered him the opportunity to purchase art supplies, with which he truly began to create the images of the world around him. Brent started painting in acrylic, but changed to oils, as he feels that oil allows him the freedom to create his own textures. It offers the possibility of layering pigment and with this, he has the opportunity to capture the diversity of intricate detail that distinguishes his art, prints and posters from those of other artists.

Townsend's passion for the outdoors, combined with his talent, allows him to create art, prints and posters that aren't just portraits of wildlife, but scenes that relay the intimate connection the animals have with their habitat. He doesn't consider himself a wildlife artist to the extent of painting any and every animal. "I paint animals as part of the land. Their habitat is a significant part of the statement I am trying to make and the mood I want to evoke. 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 painter, and was inspired by Carl Rungius, Andrew Wyeth, and other artists who, in his words "paint with their own independent spirit". Now an established artist, Townsend is as passionate as ever about his work and has gained an international following. As he continues to strive for improvement with each new piece of art, his future promises to be as fascinating as the art, prints and posters he creates.

Brent Townsend Art, Prints and Posters Collection