Pitches in the Western Wind Art Exhibit April 19, 2012

Montreal painter ‘James Simon’, who is well-known as a portraitist and as the senior resident artist on the television show Debbie Travis’ Painted House, presents his first exhibition in Toronto called ‘Pitches in the Western Wind’. He marks the occasion with a public opening reception on Thursday, April 19 (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) at Leonardo Galleries (133 Avenue Rd.) in Yorkville, and the exhibit will run to May 5, 2012.

James Simon, who defines himself primarily as a fine artist, passionately states, “These paintings (oil on canvas) are about the four square feet we occupy wherever we stand. As in dance and martial arts, that space is yours and inviolable. It is the essence of human rights and dignity. No one can challenge your right to be born or that you stand on a spot on Earth.”

Although Simon’s family originated in France, both his parents grew up in southern Alberta and that influenced his artistic work, especially his cowboy boots and horse series (the features of this exhibition).

Seen globally in 72 countries, James Simon appeared as special guest artist on Debbie Travis’ Painted House from 1997 to 2002 and is mural and ceiling mural artist of distinction. He has resided and worked as a professional artist on McGill University campus since 1984, and has had a very long career as a premier portrait artist (with agents Portraits Inc., New York 1989-1997; William Turner Gallery, Venice, CA, 2000; Harley Art Brokers, London, UK 1989-1992 and Klinkhoff Gallery, Montreal, QC.).

James Simon portraits of note include Heward Stikeman and Fraser Elliott of one of the top Canadian law firms Stikeman Elliott; CEO’s of Alcan; directors of the Montreal Neurological Institute; the Molson family; founder of the Stewart Museum and Montreal Museum of Decorative Arts, David M. Stewart; doctors; headmasters of private schools; many posthumous and historical portraits including Sir John A. Macdonald for the Rideau Club in Ottawa and Lamott du Pont for DuPont Canada.

Born in Montreal in 1950, Simon attended the fine arts program at Concordia University, and has taught artist workshops and exhibited in many solo shows in the United States (he resides part-time in Arizona), Mexico and Montreal, Canada.

For more exhibit information visit; http://www.leonardogalleries.com.

As a member of the Yorkville Art Galleries Collective, Leonardo Galleries participates in the free monthly Yorkville Art Gallery Walk, which is held the first Thursday of each month and coincides with exhibition openings.

Leonardo Galleries, Toronto is devoted to the promotion of contemporary art. The gallery represents local and international artists and has a significant collection of works of art in painting, print-media, sculpture and photography. Leonardo Galleries also specializes in conservation framing and expert art restoration.

Official Website: http://www.leonardogalleries.com