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

Museum-quality giclée editions · Complimentary delivery worldwide

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Cardinals

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About the Work

A male cardinal drops toward a snow-covered pine, wings spread in landing, while a female forages below in the blue-white shadow of the drifts. This 1987 watercolour is the image most people picture when they think of Glen Loates — the red of the male against winter snow, the composition spare and absolutely certain. Nothing is wasted. The pine needles, the seed casings scattered on the snow, the shadow that gives the drift its dimension: every element earns its place.

Cardinals in winter were a subject Glen returned to across his career, and this is the definitive statement of that subject. The watercolour is technically flawless — the wet-on-wet passages in the snow, the precise detail of the pine needles, the way the male's red is slightly warmed against the cool blue shadow. This is one of his most beloved and widely collected works.

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 [email protected] 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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