LOIS SMITH-BRENNAN

Born in Maidenhead, Berkshire, England but a proud Canadian, Lois is an artist who lives and paints at her studio in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. She studied in Europe, Canada, and U.S.A., and keeps abreast of current workshops. She paints in all media, continuing to experiment, and has recently developed a series in conceptual art. Lois has explored six continents doing freelance writing and photography, and is a member of several painters' and writers' associations. Her recent book, Every Picture Tells a Story, a collection of her paintings, sold out in the first edition.

She explores the effect of light and space on woods, water and wildlife, works from live models and has exhibited in solo exhibitions and group shows, winning many awards. She is represented in collections throughout Canada, U.S.A., and Europe. Some of her most interesting work has been produced in East Africa, Asia, the Arctic and Newfoundland. All her work is original.

Lois explains the genesis of her career:

At age ten I walked into my uncle's studio in London, England, picked up a brush and knew that I was "hard-wired" as a painter. My uncle, an artist, agreed and planned to send me to London's famous Slade School. By the time I was old enough to attend, we were living in Canada, so that plan didn't materialize. Luckily, I had some instruction in England before leaving.

World War II interfered with personal plans. After I joined the Red Cross Corps and married a Royal Military College graduate, we went our separate ways according to our military postings. Post-war years involved constant travel, but eventually I was able to put down roots, complete my criminology studies, develop a career and become a Sunday painter. Every available moment from that point forward I spent in workshops and summer courses with O.C.A. instructors. I also received a diploma in Fine Arts from Fleming College. Eventually I managed to take an early retirement and spend all my time painting.