Lynch Retrospective…
“Ever since I can remember I’ve made pictures, perhaps as a way to learn and understand the world.”
Brent Lynch, a celebrated figure in the world of illustration and fine art, brings the rugged serenity of Canada's landscapes and the vibrant life of Mexico's shores to canvas with a passion that's palpably infectious. Born in Vancouver, Canada, Lynch's journey into the arts began as an instinctive pursuit, deeply embedded in a childhood spent amidst the inspiring beauty of his surroundings. Growing up, he was naturally inclined towards creative expression, driven by a strong urge to interpret the world around him.
He attended the Vancouver School of Art later renamed ( Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design ) Langara College of Art and Design and later in London England, a year at Central Saint Martins College of Design and Art.
The first two decades of Brent's career were marked by his impressive contributions to the applied arts as a leading illustrator and designer. His early work was nothing short of prolific, comprising large-scale murals, book illustrations, magazine covers, and event posters. Brent's vibrant artistry and ability to capture the essence of dynamic events earned him commissions from leading corporations, professional sports organizations, and arts organizations around the world. Among his extensive portfolio, it was his theatrical event posters that garnered widespread acclaim, creating a robust popular following. These original pieces now proudly reside in collections worldwide.
Despite operating at the pinnacle of his field and receiving numerous national and international awards for his contributions to communication arts, Brent's artistic journey took a transformative turn thirty years ago when he boldly decided to step away from the applied arts. This shift allowed him to focus solely on his personal vision — an endeavor infused with his hallmark energy and intensity drawn from direct study from life.
In his plein air and studio work, Brent maintains an immediate, raw connection with his subjects. He often seeks inspiration from the natural world, citing the emotive power of Canada's rugged landscapes and Mexico's warm vistas as central to his creativity. His process is intuitive and reflective, shaped by years of rigorous discipline and an innate ability to capture movement and emotive interplay of light. Brent's work, characterized by its unique blend of figurative elegance and landscape vitality, stands as a testament to his singular artistic voice.
Lynch's dedication to his craft is evident as he tirelessly prepares for exhibitions and accepts commissions for both private collections and public buildings. His works are showcased at the ‘Galeria de Ida Victoria’ in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico, and in Canada's Madrona Gallery in Victoria and Adele Campbell in Whistler. His paintings, cherished by collectors, grace numerous prestigious collections.
Influenced by masters and contemporaries alike, Brent's work is imbued with a profound sense of place and narrative, often reflecting his deeply held beliefs about the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. As a member of various esteemed artist organizations, he continues to engage with the art community, contributing to its vibrant dialogue about art's role in society.
Critics and viewers have lauded Brent's ability to evoke emotion and capture fleeting moments on canvas, a testament to both his technical prowess and his philosophical approach to art. Outside of his artistic pursuits, Brent enjoys exploring the great outdoors, contributing to art education and indulging in travel adventures, experiences that further fuel his creative spirit.
Looking forward, Brent is committed to expanding his artistic horizons, constantly pushing the boundaries of his medium. For him, art serves as both a personal exploration and a societal mirror, shaping and challenging perceptions. As he continues to evolve, his work remains a vivid, compelling reminder of the timeless beauty and complexity of the world we live in.
The Early Years….
Cowboy at heart 1957
Brent Lynch's life has been painted with images since his earliest days. As a toddler, he transformed bedroom walls, floors, and even his baby brother's bald head into canvases. This innate creativity blossomed in various forms as he grew. Raised in Vancouver, BC, Brent and his siblings explored nearby fields, forests, and shorelines, forming an adventurous tribe of kids driven by imagination. From a young age, Brent was deeply invested in visual expression, constantly drawing and using art to interpret his world.
Roaming the world - Marrakesh, Morocco 1973
At ten, Brent's family relocated to Ladner, a small farming and fishing community south of Vancouver. Here, his father purchased a grocery store where Brent and his five siblings would work as teenagers. Both parents played crucial roles in influencing him: his mother as a talented painter and his father as an innovator who turned grocery shopping into an entertaining experience, teaching Brent that creativity is at the heart of everything. The shift from urban to rural life deeply resonated with Brent. His new friends, skilled in duck hunting and muskrat trapping, and adept at dismantling and reassembling vehicles, introduced him to a world of self-reliance and independence, which bolstered his confidence.
Event Posters from 1978-1995
Brent's education took a significant turn when he attended Vancouver College, a private boys' school where he excelled on the football field, in the gym, and on ski slopes. The school emphasized a well-rounded development of mind and body, and despite nearly being expelled several times, sports played a crucial role in keeping him grounded.
“20 year old fledgling artist wondering how this is going to work...” 1975
This physicality would later inform his dedication to painting and drawing directly from life, especially valued in life drawing studios and plein air painting. Although the school didn't focus heavily on art, Brent found creative outlets as a graffiti artist and cartoonist, adeptly capturing the personalities of teachers and administrators.
Inspiring some younger artists in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 1979....
While not particularly religious, Brent was intrigued by symbols and rituals and appreciated the rich traditions of the Catholic Church. His fascination extended to allegory and metaphor, and he was drawn to the power of visual storytelling. Influenced by artists across various disciplines from Chaucer to Kerouac, Durer to Pollock, Bach to Dylan - Brent understood the nexus between theology and popular art, favourably recalling Hendrix's cover of Dylan’s ‘All Along the Watchtower,’ inspired by biblical texts. The 60s and 70s were transformative, a time of evolving minds and attitudes, which Brent embraced fully.
Artist Michael O’Tool and me 2001
After high school, Brent embarked on a quintessential 70s vagabond journey through Europe and Africa, immersing himself in diverse cultures and witnessing the profound impact of art on society. Long drives across the country and outbound treks with like minded friends sharing creative and wild conversations contributed to his indelible free spirit and a commitment to a ‘road less travelled’.
Flying Fool with the Blue Angels 1989
These experiences amplified his passion for the arts, eventually leading him back to Vancouver, where he enrolled at the Vancouver School of Art and Design and the Langara College Fine Art Program. His studies took him to England for a year at St. Martin’s School of Fine Art, where he honed skills in printmaking, painting, and life drawing. During an exchange at the Bath School of Fine Arts, Brent discovered the Applied Arts Program, revealing the possibility of making a living through art, marking the start of a vibrant career.
Brent’s Tiepolo 1995
Still Kickin” 2024
Brent's dedication to art resulted in a flourishing career in both applied and fine arts, with his company, Brent Lynch Creative Inc. gaining national and international recognition. In the late '90s, Brent shifted focus, devoting himself to painting and drawing, a passion he has pursued for 25 years as a professional illustrator. His love for the outdoors and natural landscapes draws him to the mountains, waters, and prairies of Canada, as well as the sunlit vistas of Mexico, where his work is exhibited in galleries across both regions. Brent remains a committed explorer of artistic horizons, continually evolving while capturing the exquisite beauty and complexity of the natural world.
