Sir Anthony Hopkins‘ paintings and drawings are now available for viewing for the first time in Canada at the Harbour Gallery and I was fortunate enough to attend the opening night this past Wednesday.

I have always been a fan of Hopkins and have seen pretty much anything that he has ever appeared in. I did learn, however, that he was in one film I may have missed, which would have helped me understand his artwork a bit more - Surviving Picasso. My good friend and artist, Beckie Dileo, quickly made note that she could see alot of Picasso in his paintings and could even see the inspiration of painting in his Malibu home.

For me I have always loved art, partly because I can not truly paint anything. I’d be fearful of what the painting would reveal about me anyways! (ha,ha). I know, people say that we are all talented in painting…I think “those” people are trying to be nice! Sir Anthony Hopkins is most talented in the area of painting, acting and classical music composition! Yes, even the music playing at the art exhibit was composed by Sir Anthony Hopkins himself.

Harbour Gallery director Jackie Bryant describes Hopkins’ work as evocative and claims that no viewer of his art is left unmoved. ”His work has a magnetism that draws you in, not unlike the many characters he has played in his films. We feel very honoured to have been chosen to promote his work in Toronto.”

A true artist, Hopkins says he paints for the sheer pleasure of it. He often quotes Henry Miller: “Paint what you like and die happy.” Fortunately, Hopkins is painting what he likes and Canadians can now see the work of a true creative genius.

The exhibit runs until June 10th at the Habour Gallery which is located at 1697 Lakeshore West in Mississauga, Ontario. Check it out if you can!