Lawrence Morton

My goal is to create large, luminous works that add a spark of joy and beauty to people’s lives.
I do it by stripping down my subject matter to its essence and applying multiple layers of transparent colour. Over time, the colours interact, overlap, and coalesce, creating a sense of depth and sometimes a mystery.
My process is slow, gradual, and deliberate. I work in oils, taking advantage of the lustre, richness, and long drying time of the materials. Although it may look simple on the surface, a piece can take weeks or even months to complete.
In this fast-paced world where we all seem to be busy being busy or chasing the next big thing, I see my paintings as a place where time slows down and even stands still, allowing viewers a moment of quiet contemplation.
I hope they experience the same range of emotions standing in front of one of the canvases that I do when creating them.
Largely self-taught, I attended the Toronto School of Art and was awarded a grant to the Chateau d’Orquevaux Residency Program in France. My works have been shown in Toronto and elsewhere at venues such as the Cabbagetown Arts Festival, Riverdale Artwalk, Artfest Toronto, ArtWalk in the Park, Slanted Door Gallery, and the Starving Artist.
When I’m not making messes in the studio, I like to hang out with my wife and our two sons and dogs, get lost in a good book, play piano (badly), and cheer on the Raptors.