Toronto artist David Carmichael captures the beauty of the Kawarthas

Don’t you like beautiful views of calm lakes and rivers with the breeze gently blowing through the trees? These scenes are what Toronto-based artist David Carmichael paints. His delightful paintings bring me to a happy place that reminds me of my cottage in the Kawarthas. His paintings take inspiration from the untouched beauty of the Kawartha region. Over a Zoom interview, he spoke about his successful career in graphic design, and how he has come back to art through his own art business. 

Mr. Carmicheal grew up in the rural region of Ontario, the Kawarthas. As a kid he did not excel in math or English, but he could draw. Mr. Carmicheal is a graphic designer and brand developer by trade and runs a personal business selling his wonderful art. When something is easy and comes naturally to you it can be more fun. 

When he was young, a lot of people were painting their mail boxes, so his mom told him to paint theirs. He said this was a turning point because it was the first time he got to show off his talent. In the summers, his parents took him to art courses, and teachers at school gave lots of opportunities to nurture his skill. One time, his fashion and design teacher helped him to submit some sketches of clothing designs to a company. The clothing design company liked them, so he worked with that company for some time. During this period he got to meet Karl Lagerfeld. However, Mr. Carmichael decided not continue in clothing design because he said, “I had to know how to sew. That took the passion away from fashion design because all I was interested in was illustration. That focused me back to art”. 

People come from all over the world to come see Canada and its natural beauty. Nature has been what has inspired many of the most famous Canadian artists, including Mr. Carmichael. He paints Canadian landscapes like the ones you see on canoe trips to Algonquin Park. He is inspired by the style of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, and recreates it in his own way.  

Mr. Carmichael did not rely only on his natural artistic ability. He continued to study art after high school at York University. However, half a year in, he and six of his classmates changed to Seneca College and graduated from there. After that, he started to work professionally as a graphic designer. Companies hire him to create logos for their brands. Over his 30 year career, he has won many awards for his designs. In 2020 he started his own art business to sell his paintings, and he also takes commissions. This means that he will come to your place or a place that you request, and paint the scene for you. 

When meeting with him, he was very kind and nice, with a balance of professionalism. The conversation with him gave me a view into both the industry and him as a person.

Photos of his paintings are on his website davidcarmichaelstudios.com. Would you have his art on your wall? I would! 

© Henry Dent, SesayArts Magazine, 2022