Bill Bragg

"I am a painter. On a two dimensional surface, using various implements I move malleable pigments to create images. I do not like the term 'artists' as it becomes a generic term for anyone who makes anything. I am probably an elitist in that I believe in traditions, standards and competency in art. I recognize that I may not meet my own standards. My images are about emotions, attitudes, relationships - things human. They are not about empty facility. I do not think of paintings as a verbal medium requiring or even desiring long and often obtuse explanations. I have left titles very open to interpretation as I insist that the meaning of the work is the prerogative of the viewer. Satire and social commentary often puzzle and seem to be less than serious. If then, my images do not reach you... I have failed."

Bill Bragg captures the essence of human experience in the contortions and gestures of his figures. His work celebrates the beauty and the difficulty of human existence.

Bill's work is the site of a constant dichotomy. It is sensitive, while at the same time brutal. It is quiet while at the same time loud and commanding. In life it is through these opposites that we begin to understand good from bad and light from darkness. Bill's paintings convey this dichotomy with subtlety and conviction. He is honest about what he does and this gives his work that authenticity ad integrity lacking in today's consumer society. His work offers the viewer tradition, quality and authenticity a generation of art viewers and buyers have not yet seen.

Light Oil on Canvas 48 x 36 inches

T Oil on Canvas 52 x 72 inches

Ozymandias Oil on Canvas 60 x 40 inches

Martyr's Bridge Oil on Canvas 48 x 48 inches

Mariner Oil on Canvas 60 x 60 inches

Extension Oil on Canvas 60 x 40 inches

Storm Harbour Oil on Canvas 48 x 48 inches

Patina Oil on Canvas 48 x 48 inches

Fire At Sea Oil on Canvas 24 x 20 inches	Canyon Oil on Canvas 14 x 18 inches

Traffic Oil on Canvas 52 x 72 inches

Rising Red Oil on Canvas 60 x 60 inches

Mood Indigo I Oil on Canvas 48 x 36 inches	Mood Indigo II Oil on Canvas 48 x 36 inches

Mood Indigo III Oil on Canvas 48 x 36 inches	Untitled Oil on Canvas 24 x 20 inches

Catcher Oil on Canvas 60 x 60 inches

The Philosopher Oil on Canvas 48 x 36 inches

Finish Oil on Canvas 60 x 40 inches

Torso V Oil on Canvas 18 x 14 inches	Red Cap Oil on Canvas 18 x 14 inches

Score Oil on Canvas 60 x 60 inches

He Mannequin Oil on Canvas 48 x 72 inches

Reflected Yellow Oil on Canvas 52 x 60 inches

Over the Line Oil on Canvas 60 x 40 inches	Blue Trapeze Oil on Canvas 68 x 48 inches

Reflections Oil on Canvas 36 x 48 inches

Red Presence Oil on Canvas 36 x 36 inches

Window on a Storm Oil on Canvas 36 x 48 inches

Bill Bragg resides in Kelowna, BC with his wife Carol and has been an active painter for the past thirty six
years. He began his artistic journey at the Ontario College of Art in the early 1960’s where he focused on
life drawing, painting, and print making. After a successful career in the Canadian museum field, Bill and
Carol moved to the Okanagan so that Bill could pursue his painting full time

Bill Bragg’s approach to painting evolved out of the Abstract Expressionist movement which dominated
the international scene throughout the 1940’s and 50’s. One of Bill’s most influential instructors was
Jock McDonald, a principal figure in Painters Eleven, an influential Canadian Painter group based in Toronto.

Bill’s painting has passed through many different approaches to abstraction, however, he always seems
to return to the figure as the basis of his composition. Although at times it may be difficult to define the
anatomy, the images emerge from the abstract evoking a sense of both familiarity and mystery. His colour
and texture suggest a distant era; one of romance and spiritualism.

Spawn 1 Oil on Canvas 14 x 11"	Spawn 2 Oil on Canvas 14 x 11"

An Alternative View Oil on Canvas 48 x 72 inches	Beach Wear Oil on Canvas 72 x 48 inches

Performers Reproduction 39 x 29 inches ($29)

Education

1961 - Ontario College of Art
1956 - McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario

Work Experience

1986 - 1996 Art Works Fine Art Supplies - Owner / Operator
1985 - 1986 Albion Microelectronics Corp. - Planner
1981 - 1985 Techman Engineering Ltd. - Planner
1976 - 1978 Glenbow Alberta Institute - Assistant to the Director
1971 - 1978 Private Consultant
1969 - 1979 Canadian Museums Association - Executive Director
1967 - 1969 National Gallery of Canada - Assistant Director Extensions Services
1966 - 1967 On Loan to Expo 67 -
1963 - 1967 National Gallery of Canada - Installations Officer
1961 - 1963 London Public Art Gallery and Art Museum - Extension Officer

Professional Affiliations / Societies

1967 - 1981
• International Conference of Museums
• American Association of Museums
• Canadian Museum Association
• Canadian Conference of the Arts
• Canadian Artists Representation CAR / CARFAC
• B. C. Museums Association
• Ontario Museum Association 1971 - 1973
• Jannus Museum Consultants
• National Museums Policy 1974 - 1976
• Association of Cultural Executives 1974 - 1975
• Dixon, Moore & Associates Ltd.
• Brantford Art Gallery 1975 - 1976
• P. S. Ross Associates
• London Art Gallery

“In 1986, Bill turned his attention to making art to the exclusion of his career”

To view sold artwork from Bill Bragg HERE