James Picard is a Canadian artist, teacher and humanitarian, born January 25, 1964, in Burlington, Ontario. He is known for his diversity in styles and mediums in painting and sculpture; and for being extremely prolific. In 1988 Picard moved his young family from Toronto to Vancouver, while continuing to paint and sculpt. Since 1995, he has taught at numerous post-secondary institutions in the greater Vancouver region. He is recognized for his inspirational teaching. Art Picard knew from a young age that he would be an artist. As a youth, he taught himself to paint and he read extensively about art and artists. He names Francis Bacon, Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt and Monet as influences. Picard studied at Sheridan College and the Ontario College of Art. He worked with several artists: Cuban watercolourist Ramon Amor, Canadian sculptor Thaddaeus Szpelowitz, Canadian painter Harold Town. Harold Town stated in a written note that Picard's talent "is rare in the art world". Picard's philosophy is based on following one's own creative urge. He firmly rejects producing art solely for the demands of the market and has spoken out to artists to avoid doing so. His own work defies identification as one style and ranges expressionism through traditional realism. Teaching Picard teaches drawing, painting and sculpture in Vancouver at various post-secondary and community locations including Emily Carr University of Art and Design, North Vancouver Neighbourhood House and Picard Studios. He has arranged student shows to give students an opportunity to show their work. He is known for his inspirational teaching that focuses on the creative process. In 1998, Picard set up the first sculpture class for visually impaired students in the Vancouver area. Humanitarianism He has also taught painting to children with cancer at the annual Camp GoodTimes since 2006 summer camp organized by the Canadian Cancer Society In 2015, Picard’s State of the Art show in Vancouver donated a portion of the art sales to a local charity, the CKNW Orphans’ Fund. Selected achievements and events 2017 - Grand Prize winner "New Media Film Festival" for the documentary The Dark and Wounded. Los Angeles, CA 2008 Lonsdale Quay Gallery - James Picard and Students 2007 (Annually since 2002) International Summer Centre of the Arts, Vancouver, British Columbia 2007 Canadian Artist Series Stamp, Canada Post 2007 Outstanding Instructor Award, 10 Years of Teaching, Vancouver School Board 2006 July / August Blank Canvas Collaboration, Seymor Art Gallery