Len Gibbs 1929 -2010
Gibbs was born in Cranbrook, moved to Edmonton to become creative director of an Edmonton advertising firm before becoming a full-time painter in 1968, later moving to Victoria, BC, where remained for the rest of his life.
Gibbs was a self-taught artist whose mediums were acrylic on masonite and watercolour and dry brush on paper. He painted in a highly realistic style, depicting immaculate and precise detail in every painting he did, showing us moments in the real lives of real people. He was a master at his craft,his subjects ranged from children to cowboys (the Alberta influence) to marine subjects.
His first solo show was at Alex Fraser's Gallery in Vancouver, BC and sold out the first night. He had also shown in Europe, across Canada and the U.S. and was made an Honorary Citizen of Victoria in 1985.