Al Colton, The Dean of Art

Al Colton started painting over 60 years ago at the Ontario College of Art with instruction by Group of Seven artists, Arthur Lismer and Frank Carmicheal.

After studying art in 1940 and 1941, he served in the Air Force. While in the forces, he often sketched portraits of his crewmates. His portrait work also found its way into the prestigious National Gallery in Ottawa.

After the Second World War and air force duty, Al Colton completed his art education at the Vancouver School of Art with instruction by Jack Shadbolt. Colton became an art teacher and coordinator in the Vancouver School District.

Colton's work has been shown in the Vancouver Art Gallery. He retired from the public art scene many years ago but returned in 1998. That year, four of his paintings were featured in the award winning book, Langley 125:A Celebration.

Over the years, oil paints have been replaced by acrylics. The colour palette has mellowed with age. But Colton's work still sizzles with biting social commentary and presents "more then meets the eye". His paintings are part of public art exhibitions as well as private and corporate collections.

Langley's Dean of Art, Al Colton, is truly a Canadian art icon. His current works include portraits, landscapes, street scenes and still life and are now exclusively sold at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery. Al resides in Langley with his wife, Esther, also a painter.