David Craig Bio
David Craig (1945–2019) was a celebrated Canadian artist and illustrator whose work earned recognition throughout Canada and the United States. Born in Saskatchewan and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, David discovered his passion for art at an early age. After attending an art-focused high school in Ottawa, he continued his artistic education at the Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD) in Toronto, where he refined the skills that would shape his distinguished career.
Throughout his career, David became renowned for his historical paintings, illustrations, wildlife art, landscapes, and sports artwork. He had a remarkable ability to tell stories through paint, bringing history to life with authenticity, emotion, and extraordinary attention to detail. His fascination with Canadian history became a defining characteristic of his work, and he was known for conducting extensive research to ensure historical accuracy before putting brush to canvas.
David's impressive client list included Harlequin, Reader's Digest, Chatelaine, Marquee, the National Hockey League (NHL), the Canadian Football League (CFL), Worldwide Embassies, Molson, and numerous publishers, corporations, and organizations. He also designed commemorative coins for the Royal Canadian Mint, including the Canadian Sesquicentennial Silver Dollar, and created a celebrated series of paintings honoring Canada's contributions during the Second World War.
His artwork received widespread acclaim, including a landmark solo exhibition at Toronto's O'Keefe Centre, where he became the first illustrator to be featured in a solo exhibition at the prestigious venue. The exhibition showcased more than 400 illustrations spanning fifteen years of his career and was extended by an additional month due to overwhelming public interest—an enduring testament to the impact and popularity of his work.
In 2003, David received the prestigious James Madison Book Award for his illustrations in First to Fly: How Wilbur and Orville Wright Invented the Airplane. The award brought international recognition to his work, with the book being praised for its rich storytelling, historical authenticity, and imaginative illustrations.
David Craig devoted his life to creating artwork that preserved history, celebrated Canadian heritage, and inspired audiences through visual storytelling. His original paintings and illustrations continue to be admired by collectors, galleries, and art enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship, research, and passion behind every piece.
Today, this website is maintained by David's son, Travis Craig, and his partner, Nikki Viau, with the goal of preserving David's artistic legacy and sharing his remarkable body of work with new generations of collectors and admirers. We invite you to explore the collection, learn more about his career, and discover the timeless artwork of one of Canada's accomplished artists and illustrators.