JOHN G. LENNARD
John G. Lennard is a professional painter that has been exhibiting his work in Canadian and International galleries for over two decades.
“Contemporary Renaissance” is perhaps a phrase that best describes Lennard. An avid admirer and student of international masters, of Canadian painterly traditions and of modern movements, his work reflects the past while presenting itself as thoroughly contemporary. By acknowledging the past, he bends the rules to create a style all his own.
"It is important to look more to the tradition of painting, instead of looking for inspiration in what other contemporary artists are doing. I feel that way you’ll be closer to finding your own voice. If the intent is pure in what you are trying to convey – it has meaning to the viewer. I enjoy seeing a piece that comes out of the tradition of art with one's own signature."
Although his early studies included the traditional route of OCAD, Toronto School of Art, and the Art Students league in New York – his personal point of entry was studying with Nicholas Carone at the International School of Art in Italy. Carone exhibited with both Jackson Pollock and William de Kooning and came out of the Abstract Expressionist school in New York. Studying with Carone inspired Lennard’s commitment to painting by following his studies with years of travel, living and working in cities including New York, Paris, Barcelona and Berlin which became Lennard’s points of growth and education.
John G. Lennard was not new in the field of creativity as his former (and present) profession as a musician in the 80’s found him in an English punk band that was featured four times on BBC, with a performance on the UK’s Top of The Pops. Days off from concerts in Europe meant finding galleries to explore the arts. Punk music was followed by studying and recording jazz in New York.
Before his life in the arts, Lennard was a member of the Canadian squash team competing in the World Championships in 1977. He is currently the head coach of Men’s Varsity Squash at the University of Toronto.
John G. Lennard is represented internationally in both corporate and private collections. Of note, John was invited to participate in the “Gold Book” in Hotel des Templiers, Collioure, France, – a publication that includes painting and drawings by the founders of Fauvism including Derain and Matisse.
