Sault artist Doug Bradford is pivoting from his long-standing focus on military-themed works to a new collection centered on the natural beauty of the Sault and Algoma District. His latest exhibit, Celebrating the Sault and Surroundings, features 76 watercolour paintings and is currently on display at The Art Hub at Spring, located at 504 Queen St. E.
Transitioning from Military History to Regional Landscapes
While Doug Bradford has earned national and international recognition for his military-themed art—including 17 pieces in the permanent collection of the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa—his latest show marks a deliberate shift toward Northern Ontario scenery. According to Bradford, the collection highlights locales such as St. Joe’s Island, Bar River, and other places in Laird Township. The exhibit also includes portraiture, notably a tribute to the late Robert Cuerrier, widely known as “Farmer Bob,” who operated the popular Mockingbird Hill Farm on Landslide Road.
Did you know?
Doug Bradford’s work has reached global audiences, with paintings held in collections in the Netherlands, Japan, the United States, and the Canadian High Commission in the United Kingdom.
The Perfectionist Approach to Watercolour
Bradford, who spent 50 years working as a barber, maintains a massive private collection of another 600 paintings at his home. He attributes this surplus to his self-described “perfectionist nature.” He notes that even if a painting appears complete to an observer, any internal dissatisfaction with a piece prevents him from releasing it for sale. His preference for watercolours stems from the medium’s immediacy. “Everything is instant with watercolours,” Bradford said. “I try to get it in one brush stroke.”
Generational Artistic Influence
Artistry is a central theme for the Bradford family, who are of Métis heritage. Doug Bradford reports that between 30 and 40 members of his extended family are artistic. This creative tradition spans generations; in September 2021, three generations of the family held a collective art show at the Ermatinger Clergue Old Stone House. Bradford credits his early exposure to the craft to watching his mother sketch and paint at the dining room table during his childhood.
Pro Tips: Maintaining Creative Longevity
Now in his mid-80s, Bradford continues to paint daily, often completing two works per week. He supplements his own practice by hosting monthly watercolour classes in his home near the end of every month during the winter season. He emphasizes that the exchange of ideas with students—which recently included a group of Sault College football players—is a significant part of his ongoing creative process.
Exhibition Details
The Doug Bradford Art Exhibit and Sale is open to the public with free admission. Viewings are scheduled from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 5. Additional viewing arrangements can be made through Stone’s Office Supply for those unable to attend during the scheduled hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the current Doug Bradford exhibit located?
The exhibit is held at The Art Hub at Spring, 504 Queen St. E. - What is the primary medium used in the exhibit?
All 76 paintings in the current show are watercolours. - Does Doug Bradford teach art classes?
Yes, he hosts watercolour painting classes in his home near the end of each month during the winter season. - Are the paintings available for purchase?
The exhibit is an art show and sale; inquiries for viewings outside of the scheduled dates can be directed to Stone’s Office Supply.
Have you visited The Art Hub at Spring to see the latest collection? Share your thoughts on the local landscape series in the comments below.