The Birth Pool

Wholeness

The Orphan Boy

I like to think of my work as impressionistic realism. On first glance, especially when it¹s scaled down to book-size, it looks very realistic. But, when you see originals of my work, you¹ll see that I paint very loose. People have commented that one of the things they like about my work is that not everything is rendered, sometimes it is just suggested, and their minds, as they look at the painting, are doing the work to fill in the space. So the experience is very interpretive and involves the viewer to a great extent. This engagement brings with it a sense of discovery and involves the viewer in a very creative way.
With a freelance career that has spanned the past 30 years, Paul has worked for major advertising agencies and publishers across North America. His artwork has been exhibited in museums across Canada including The Museum of Civilization.

Since the release of his first book, "The Orphan Boy" (1990), he has achieved international recognition and his books are sold worldwide. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Maclean’s and in the Society of Illustrators annuals. His book work has won more than 25 national and international awards including Canada’s prestigious Governor General’s Award.

Born in Calgary, Alberta, Paul grew up near Montreal, Quebec. After studying design at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, he went on to the Sheridan College illustration program in Ontario before completing his training at the Ontario College of Art. Since 1985 he has produced art installations, music CDs, and videos. He has traveled to Africa, Australia, China and throughout North, Central and South America to research the culture and settings for each story he has illustrated.

Over the past decade, Paul has lectured on art, music and primitive cultures at conferences, schools and libraries across the country. His career has taken on a new dimension which allows him to incorporate his interests in travel, anthropology and mythology. It is traditional cultures that interest Paul because they are grounded in the importance of earth, spirit, harmony and wisdom.

His multi-media presentations can be customized to suit school curriculum with insightful programs on Africa, China, Australia, North, Central and South America, endangered animals and traditional cultures with a focus on the importance of biodiversity.

Paul lives in a cedar house with his wife Janine and sons Palmer and Kadin. His studio is located at the edge of a forest by a wetland near Rockwood, Ontario, Canada.

Visit Paul Morin Studios.