About Graham Forsythe

Artist’s Statement

Pablo Picasso said, "Art is the lie that tells the truth." For me, Picasso's words are the truest description of art. Great artists are like alchemists. The chemist uses magic to turn lead into gold; the artist manipulates rubs of synthetic color to capture a three dimensional subject on a two dimensional surface. But without character, a painting is little more than an arrangement of color and design. Herein lies the reason why I paint - to understand the nature of what I see and to share my passion with you. If I can unveil in my paintings the essence of what I see, they will transcend mere decoration and take on a life of their own. Everything has its own unique character, and once it reveals itself to me then my job is to rub the canvas and communicate this truth to you.

Biography

Graham Forsythe was born in Ireland and immigrated to Canada where he earned citizenship in 1970. After attaining a BA degree from the University of Guelph he began to write short stories and psychological thrillers. As a young adult Forsythe traveled extensively, from the South Pacific to the Queen Charlottes, tapping into various adventures and experiences. However, it was not until he received an operation correcting his blurred, shadowy vision in 1991 that he could fully appreciate his surroundings and begin to paint. Recording all that had suddenly become visible to him - shapes, spaces and colors - seemed like a necessary and logical step.

Graham Forsythe's vibrant paintings display a palpable sense of enthusiasm about life. The excitement captured on canvas mirrors a life full of creating and reaching for something more. Forsythe's paintings take the forms of still-lifes, landscapes and luminous abstracts. This primarily self-taught artist credits his optical operation and his travels as his most valuable artistic influences. Forsythe does not categorize his paintings but instead finds that "Painting can be like meditation without the prejudices of historical reference or anticipation of its outcome."

Education

1971-1974: Bachelor of Arts Degree, University of Guelph, Ontario.

1991-1996: Studied informally under Dutch Landscapist, George Buytendorp and Victor Arcega, former art critic Calgary Herald and currently artist and art professor.

2013: Diana Paul Galleries, Calgary, AB - 'Superlative Talent: A Legacy'

2012: Madrona Gallery, Victoria, BC - 'Remembered'

2011: Diana Paul Galleries, Calgary, AB - 'Fresh Air'

2010: Madrona Gallery, Victoria, BC - 'Canadian Visions'

2009: Diana Paul Galleries, Calgary, AB - 'Selection of New Works'

2008: West End Gallery, Edmonton, AB - 'The Boreal Forest'

2008: West End Gallery, Victoria, BC - 'Evidence'

2006: Diana Paul Galleries, Calgary, AB - 'Duality'

2006: Main Street Gallery, Sidney, BC - 'Impressions'

2005: World Art Gallery, Crown Valley, Ladera Ranch, CA - 'Autumn Jewels'

2005: The Avenue Gallery, Victoria, BC - 'Interlude'

2004: Diana Paul Galleries, Calgary, AB - 'Canada'

2003: The Avenue Gallery, Victoria, BC - 'Living in the Present'

2003: Buckland Southerst Gallery, West Vancouver, BC - 'Canadian Impressions'

1999: South Shore Gallery, Sooke, BC - 'My Canada'

1995: Reflections Gallery, Sooke, BC - 'Oh, Canada'

2010: Diana Paul Galleries, Calgary, AB - 'Gallery Walk'

2010: Madrona Gallery, Victoria, BC - 'Colors of Summer'

2009: Hollander York Gallery, Toronto, ON - 'Artists' Best Exhibition'

2008: Hollander York Gallery, Toronto, ON - 'Artists' Best Exhibition'

2007: West End Gallery, Victoria, BC - 'Anniversary Show'

2007: Main Street Gallery, Sidney, BC - 'Small Christmas Show'

2006: Main Street Gallery, Sidney, BC - 'Tinsel and Treasures'

2006: The Avenue Gallery, Victoria, BC - 'Celebrating Small'

2006: Main Street Gallery, Sidney, BC - 'Small Christmas Show'

2006: Diana Paul Galleries, Calgary, AB - 'Christmas Show'

2006: Marshall Clark Gallery, White Rock, BC - 'Spring Show'

2005: Sooke Fine Art Show, Sooke, BC - 'Sooke Fine Arts 2005'

2005: Goldstream Nature House, Victoria, BC - 'Nature Show'

2005: World Art Gallery, Crown Valley, Ladera Ranch, CA - 'Christmas Show'

2005: Diana Paul Galleries, Calgary, AB - 'Christmas Show'

2005: The Avenue Gallery, Victoria, BC - 'Celebrating Small'

2005: Main Street Gallery, Sidney, BC - 'Small Christmas Show'

2005: Marshall Clark Gallery, White Rock, BC

2005: Art Works Gallery, Vancouver, BC

2004: New York Art Expo, The Javits Center, New York, NY

2004: Diana Paul Galleries, Calgary, AB

2004: The Avenue Gallery, Victoria, BC

2003: Art Works Gallery, Vancouver, BC

2002: Art Works Gallery, Vancouver, BC

2001: Art Works Gallery, Vancouver, BC

2000: New York Art Expo, The Javits Center, New York, NY

2000: Sooke Fine Arts Show, Sooke, BC - 'Sooke Fine Arts 2000'

1998: Federation of Canadian Artists, Victoria, BC

1997: Federation of Canadian Artists, Victoria, BC

1997: Moss Street Paint-In, Moss St., Victoria, BC

1996: Moss Street Paint-In, Moss St., Victoria, BC

1996: Royal Roads Paint-In, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC

1995: Moss Street Paint-In, Moss St., Victoria, BC

Federation of Canadian Artists Jurors Choice Awards.

2012 Remembering Graham Forsythe CBC News, BC, Canada

2008 International Artist Magazine edition #61 USA, 'Heading Out'

2008 Focus magazine; April edition 'Painting the Light'

2007 International Artist Magazine edition #56 USA, 'Inside the Creative Mind'

2006 Cottage Style Magazine, National Publication, USA

2006 Pierre Belvedere Cards, Quebec, Canada

2006 Orange County, California, USA

2006 International Graphics, Eggenstein, Germany

2006 MagazinArt Biennial, National Publication, Canada

2005 Galleries West Magazine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

2004 International Graphics, Eggenstein, Germany

2004 Ladera Ranch Herald, Ladera Ranch, California, USA

2003 Ballymena Guardian, Ballymena, Northern Ireland

2003 Art World News, National Publication, USA

2002 Monterey County Weekly, Monterey, California, USA

Past member of the Federation of Canadian Artists

Past member of the Oil Painters of America

Cadilac Fairview, Ltd.

Clark Family Films, Inc.

Grand and Toy

Willis Canada

Millennium Land Corporation

Seagull Paving, Ltd.

Capital City Paving, Ltd.

B.C. Hydro

Austin Ventures, Ltd.

As You Like It Design

Ms. Rankin

Mr. & Mrs. Peachy

Mrs. Margaret Robinson

Mrs. Jacqueline Thornton

Mrs. Heather Wheeler

Mr. Gavin Graham

Mr. John Haidras

Mrs. Jennie Campbell

Ms. Mary Southerst

Ms. Gloria Gales

Ms. Sandra Fisher

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