Official Gallery of Canadian Wildlife Artist Glen Loates R.C.A.

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Glen Loates painting the Wood thrush with bird skins from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in 1979

One-of-a-kind works by Glen Loates. View the Originals

Glen Loates outside by mushrooms kneeling with sketchbook and smiling

GLEN LOATES BIOGRAPHY

DISCOVER

Glen Loates in the studio using animal skins as reference while painting owels

Glen Loates in the studio using animal skins as reference.

WORK METHODS
glen loates and president reagan

Glen Loates in the Oval Office presenting his Bald Eagle painting to Ronald Reagan.

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Great Blue Heron by Glen Loates, artwork printed on a tote bag
Great Blue Heron by Glen Loates, tote bag, alternate view

Great Blue Heron

$45 - $55

Complimentary shipping, carefully packed and delivered to your door.

Our promise to you: if your order isn't quite right, let us know and we will make it right.

About the Work

A Great Blue Heron lifts from a marsh — wings spreading wide, neck curved, feet just leaving the water among the cattails and lily pads. This 1993 watercolour catches the heron in the most difficult moment: the transition from stillness to flight, the body not yet airborne, the wings not yet at full stroke. Glen solved it with loose, luminous watercolour washes for the atmospheric background and tighter, more deliberate brushwork for the bird itself.

The Great Blue Heron was one of Glen's most observed subjects — they frequented the wetlands near his Ontario studio, and he watched their hunting behaviour across all seasons. The scale of the bird, the architecture of the folded neck, the extraordinary reach of those wings: all of it is painted with the authority of long familiarity.

Each bag is made to order to gallery standards, sturdy enough for everyday use and built to carry the conversation wherever you go.

About the Artist
Glen Loates outside by mushrooms kneeling with sketchbook and smiling

Glen Loates R.C.A. has spent his life paying close attention to the natural world. Largely self-taught, he began his professional career at eleven, and in 1974 he was elected to full membership in the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.

He works from field study and museum study skins rather than photographs, making as many as forty-five pencil sketches of an animal before he paints it, and he begins every painting from the eye.

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan accepted Glen's life-size Bald Eagle in the Oval Office, a gift Glen painted and conceived himself, making him the first Canadian artist represented at the White House.

Listen to Glen's biography · 9 min

The full written biography is on the Biography page.

Read the full biography →
Format & Materials

The format

  • Glen Loates' artwork carried into everyday life, on a bag made for real use.
  • Soft, durable poly-poplin with a 1" black strap for easy carrying on the shoulder, and double-stitched seams throughout.
  • Roomy enough for books, markets, studio supplies or a day out, with a quiet nod to wildlife and nature.

Materials

  • Durable poly-poplin chosen for strength and everyday use.
  • Sturdy strap with reinforced stitching at stress points.
  • Glen's artwork reproduced across the panels with clear detail and consistent colour.
Care
  • Spot clean with a mild detergent and cool water, dabbing gently rather than scrubbing the artwork.
  • Let the bag air dry completely before use; don't machine dry unless the product page says it is safe.
  • Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals, which can weaken the fibres and fade the artwork.
  • Keep loads to a comfortable everyday weight to protect the shape and seams.
Delivery & Returns
  • Made to order in the United States and inspected before it ships.
  • Packed to protect the fabric and artwork in transit.
  • Delivery time depends on your location. Outside the United States, customs duties or import fees may apply on arrival.
  • Complimentary shipping with tracking.
  • If your piece arrives damaged, email support@glenloates.com with a photo and we'll send a complimentary replacement.
  • Not right for any reason? Contact us within 30 days of your order date.
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