Canadian [b. 1962]
Les Thomas has long recognized painting as a language in its own right, and its diversity in terms of poetic and conceptual messages, exhibited by each individual picture.
Les Thomas’ education is indicative of his dedication to his chosen profession as an artist. He sifts through a wide variety of visual sources for the imagery in his work. The influence of his view of painting as a very noble activity is combined with his acknowledgement that it can be inventive and enjoyable for both the artist and the viewer. The other major influence is culture, in its broadest terms, including all aspects of our everyday life.
Les Thomas’ animal paintings tend to play with the relationship between culture and nature. The unique blend of oil and metallic paints that he applies, he explains, “may very well pertain to memory, and the manner in which we hold visual experiences within the capacities for recollection. Think of the last time you encountered a bear on the roadside, or craned your neck to watch a mountain goat or sheep on a steep and rocky slope.”
Les Thomas, as a highly accomplished artist has received many awards for his work, and been featured in several publications, and has his paintings in public and private collections in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. and Germany.
ANIMAL PAINTING #10-0023 (GRIZZLY); 2010
oil and wax on masonite (cradled panel)
48 x 48 in.
Sold for $ 11,700 – May 2021
A record price at auction for the artist
ANIMAL PAINTING #014-1138 (GRIZZLY); 2014
oil on canvas (gallery-wrapped)
72 x 96 in.
Sold for $ 10,530 – May 2021
BLACK BEAR (AP #05-4272); 2004-2005
encaustic and oil on board
60 x 60 in.
Sold for $ 9,360 – November 2018
ANIMAL PAINTING #45+4276 (BLACK BEAR); 2005
encaustic on canvas
48 x 48 in.
Sold for $ 9,360 – February 2021
COYOTE (AP #05-4260); 2005
oil on canvas
48 x 48 in.
Sold for $ 9,000 – November 2016
ANIMAL PAINTING #017-1505 (MOOSE); 2017
oil on canvas
60 x 60 in.
Sold for $ 8,775 – September 2023
We are always seeking works by Les Thomas to be included in future auctions.
If you are interested in selling with us, or wish to get our opinion of the value of your artworks, please contact us for an appointment to evaluate your artwork for auction.
Alternately, you can easily submit details of your artworks through our Request of Auction Estimates form.
Artist: Les Thomas
Title: ANIMAL PAINTING #04-2999 (BLACK BEAR)
Date: 2004
Medium: oil and encaustic on cradled panel
Dimensions: 36 x 36 in. (91.4 x 91.4 cm)
Notes:
signed, titled and dated verso
Provenance: Acquired in 2004 at a Ducks Unlimited charity auction.
LOT: 170
Auction: 2024 December | Hodgins Art Auctions
Artist: Les Thomas
Title: COYOTE (AP #05-4260)
Date: 2005
Medium: oil on canvas
Dimensions: 48 x 48 in. (121.9 x 121.9 cm)
Notes:
signed, titled & dated verso
Provenance: Canada House Gallery, Banff AB (label verso)
LOT: 8
Auction: 2023 December | Hodgins Art Auctions
Artist: Les Thomas
Title: ANIMAL PAINTING #017-1505 (MOOSE)
Date: 2017
Medium: 2017
Dimensions: 60 x 60 in. (152.4 x 152.4 cm)
Notes:
signed, titled & dated verso
Provenance: Canada House Gallery, Banff AB
LOT: 70
Auction: 2023 September - Prices Realized
Artist: Les Thomas
Title: ANIMAL PAINTING #011-0481 (MOOSE)
Date: 2011
Medium: oil and encaustic on cradled panel
Dimensions: 24 x 24 in. (61 x 61 cm)
Notes:
signed, titled & dated verso
Provenance: Canada House Gallery, Banff AB
LOT: 66
Auction: 2023 June | Hodgins Art Auctions
Artist: Les Thomas
Title: MELON AND PEARS
Date: 1997
Medium: oil on board
Dimensions: 16 x 16 in.
LOT: 278
Auction: 2005 November | Hodgins Art Auctions
Artist: Les Thomas
Title: STILL LIFE
Date: 1992-4
Medium: oil on board
Dimensions: 9 1/2 x 15 in.
Notes:
signed, titled & dated
LOT: 424
Auction: 2006 November | Hodgins Art Auctions
Since 1983, Hodgins Art Auctions is your trusted source for buying and selling art by Les Thomas and other important Canadian artists.
We are always accepting consignments of quality Canadian & International art.
At Hodgins you will always be dealing with a knowledgeable partner in the company. We provide responsive and efficient service, transparency, and are committed to your satisfaction.