Leif Ostlund

Biography

Born in Prince George, British Columbia, with, as he describes it, “a paint brush in my hand”, there was little doubt as to Ostlund’s future in art. His mother, Olive Nehring, and his uncle, Dave Nehring (both accomplished painters) provided him with a rich, informal training. He then went on to attend the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, where he graduated with honors.

Ostlund’s distinctive style comes from a unique blend of harmony and spontaneity. While working on a painting, he is always conscious of the fact that “people respond instinctively to beautiful color”. He begins with a simple chalk drawing, sketched directly onto the canvas. This is then blocked in with a monotone palette, before the final flamboyant application of color.

Ostlund’s work has been exhibited throughout Canada, the United States and South Africa. It can also be found in many corporate collections.