A Canadian artist, Gordon Milne was born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1953. He attended McMaster University where he majored in printmaking and sculpture and graduated with a BFA in 1974.
Early in his career Milne worked as a printmaker – producing original etchings, woodcuts and linocuts that were exhibited and sold both to individuals and corporations. He was represented by several galleries across Canada and participated in numerous exhibits. In 1982 a gallery flood ravaged most of Gordon’s artwork, leaving little to show from the ‘70s. Although difficult at the time, it proved to be the event that altered Milne’s focus from printmaking to painting – specifically portraiture. And what a successful transition it’s been!
During the past decade Gordon has been commissioned by the Canadian Sport Centre to produce a series of large-scale portraits celebrating the achievements of remarkable Canadian Olympians. The Canadian Sport Heroes Collection is currently comprised of 12 paintings and will be unveiled during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. These monumental portraits are Milne’s trademark today.
Gordon has enjoyed a long-term relationship with the Alberta Ballet where he has regularly attended classes for the past 9 years – actively drawing this group of dedicated dancers to further develop his understanding of the beauty of movement. He has completed several portraits of members of the Alberta Ballet and is currently working towards creating a collection of paintings (Art & Dance) to honour Canada’s great dancers and choreographers.