This is the signature of James Lorimer Keirstead
Referred to as “Keirsteads” Keirstead prints have become the favourite of millions.
Nostalgic, romantic, idealized heritages subjects enchant and bring quiet enjoyment.
Jim Keirstead wanted to be an artist from his early boyhood. He was born Dec. 18th 1932 in Saint John, N.B Canada. Jim grew up in Toronto, Whitby and Sharbot Lake and then at 17 joined the Canadian Army serving in korea during the war in 1952 & 53. In Korea Pte. Keirstead drove jeep ambulance for 1st. Batt. P.P.C.L.I and later was the Field Surgeon’s driver for M.A.S.H. After Korea, he returned to Kingston, Ontario where he became an Ontario Provincial Police Constable. During these years he haunted art galleries and libraries, took art courses, sketched and painted at every opportunity. Then in 1965 he took the precarious plunge into the art world. Jim’s first paintings were of Ontario, landscapes, homes, barns, and old mills that are now synonymous with the angular Keirstead signature. Next it was Eastern and Maritime Canada and in subsequent years Alberta, British Columbia and the spectacular B.C. coast. In the 90’s Jim painted the wildlife of Kenya in East Africa and the Cotswolds of England and exhibited internationally. Recent works include scenes with children playing hockey on backyard rinks. Keirstead’s dynamic originals hang in over 1000 collections both here and abroad.
Admittedly a driven artist, Jim has produced an amazing number of paintings. Painting mainly with knives and oil paints, he creates sharp, clear, boldly textured paintings that for many help establish a Canadian identity.
Keirstead’s list of artistic accomplishments are many: he has printed and marketed dozens of limited edition prints and over 240 reproductions, many collector plates and three books of his art. The latest book, Keirstead’s Canada is still available direct from James Keirstead Studio.
Exhibitions of his original paintings include 130 one man shows with prominent galleries across Canada, New York, Miami and Scottsdale, USA. Currently, originals are available from the artist’s studio or from Cresent Hill Gallery in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Living at the end of the beautiful Aragon road beside the Greater Cataraqui River, Jim & Robere enjoy the pleasures of country life. It is a peaceful place with abundance of birds and wildlife Jim finds inspiration in the ever-changing moods of sunrises, river views and reflections.
Established in 1975, the annual Spring Show is popular experience. The paintings and prints, the artist’s mill and Robere’s flower gardens make a visit here most memorable.
It is an Open House Exhibition with the originals hung throughout their home. Held on two weekends from 10 a.m to 4p.m , this is everyone’s favourite show, a time with the artist in his home environment.
