Michael O'Toole: An exclusive collection to discover!

This season, Le P’tit Bonheur is thrilled to present a remarkable collection of 15 paintings by the artist Michael O'Toole, available exclusively at our gallery. These works, created between 2001 and 2014, have been entrusted to us for resale by a passionate collector and friend of the house, offering visitors of Le P’tit Bonheur a rare opportunity to admire and acquire the works of this exceptionally talented artist, who left us too soon.

Michael O'Toole (1963-2018) was born in Vancouver and grew up on the North Shore near the stunning Capilano Canyon. At the age of 10, Michael first recognised his curiosity for art and architecture, and he began developing his skills by watching and studying with his mother Nancy O’Toole, who was becoming a well-known artist at the time. After studying architectural design at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Michael moved to Toronto at the age of 22 to start a career in architecture. Working in many architectural firms, Michael found that the presentational side (architectural illustration) of the profession suited him best, and for two years Michael specialised in rendering all forms of architecture, developing his skills for capturing perspective and proportion.

Eventually, the call of the west coast and its vast expanses of wilderness was felt. He returned to Vancouver in 1992, settled there and decided to devote himself to his art full time. This period marks a turning point in his career. From then on, his work enjoyed immediate recognition; admirers are struck by his sophisticated interpretation of the play of light, and his mastery of texture and color.

The year 2001 marks the election of Michael O'Toole to Signature Membership of the Federation of Canadian Artists, the highest recognition of the FCA. Central figure of Canadian art, Michael O'Toole has seen his work sold around the world, with frequent exhibitions across Canada. In Quebec, the latter was represented by the Au P'tit Bonheur art gallery from 2012 to 2018, the year of his death, at the age of 55. His impact on the Canadian art world remains undeniable, and we pay tribute to him for the precious legacy he left us through his works.

The unique style of Michael O'Toole's combination of technical skill and artistic creativity has made him a master of backlighting and depicting the misty landscapes of the British Columbia coast. The vibrant colors of his paintings give them a dreamlike quality, capturing the light and splendor of each moment. Although primarily known for his landscapes and seascapes, O'Toole also ventured into portrait and architectural painting. His extensive travels have also provided him with a constant source of inspiration throughout his career.

We invite you to discover this exceptional collection, now available in gallery and online, and to share our admiration for the timeless talent of Michael O'Toole .