BERT SMALL, OSA was born in 1924 in Toronto.  On graduation from the 4 year art course at Danforth Technical School he was employed in art studios in Toronto and New York City.  During his 48-year career, he worked as a commercial artist, art buyer, and art director.  In 1985 as Assistant Advertising Manager with Sears Canada, Bert chose "early retirement" but spent a further 3 years as Creative Consultant and Sales Manager for Templeton Studios in Toronto.  During his business career, Bert devoted his spare time to sketching trips in Northern Ontario, other parts of North America, and beyond.

Bert is a past Vice-president of the OSA, Ontario Society of Artists, founded by the Group of Seven and a past member of the Toronto Arts & Letters Club.   Bert has conducted many years of painting workshops and demonstrations of his painting techniques.

After moving to Salt Spring Island in 1991 he joined the Studio Tour Group and co-directed the operation for 7 years.   His work has sold from coast to coast in Canada and worldwide, and is included in many corporate collections. 

Bert sums up his artistic philosophy this way--

"A skillful painting which simply mirrors nature, lacks the magic of an unskilled painting with a great concept..  The best of both worlds' is a skillful painting incorporating a dynamic personal statement of colour, composition and creativity."