When you first see Doug Comeau's artwork two thoughts come to mind, it's unbelievable and how does he do it?

Many consider Doug to be one of Canada's foremost pencil artists as he continues to set new artistic standards through the medium of graphite and coloured pencil. Doug welcomes commissions on any subject matter whether corporate or private and can be reached at the gallery in Trenton or his studio in Frankford Ontario.

Doug has made his way into 2008 with a reputation of one of Canada’s top pencil realists in a relatively short amount of time. Many hurdles have been overcome living in a rural community but the support has been overwhelming and instrumental in his success. One of Canada’s largest coloured pencil drawings hangs in the new city hall in Trenton Ontario, donated by Doug in appreciation for all their support.

Visit Doug's Website: www.timberwolfgallery.ca

Local artist first in Canada to take gallery on the road

By Ernst Kuglin (Trentonian)
December 2nd, 2010

Coming to a community near you on two lanes of black top is Canada's first art gallery on wheels.

Well known Quinte West artist Doug Comeau and business partner Kris Narhgang, a stone carver, have officially launched the country's first mobile art gallery — the Roadhouse Gallery. It will be ready to roll this spring.

"I've done a ot of research and something like this has never been attempted in Canada,'' said Comeau, one of Canada's top pencil realists.

Comeau owns the Timberwolf Gallery in Trenton while Narhgang, a world class stone carver, owns a studio located in Big Cedar, north of Buckhorn.

The business partners recently purchased a 44-foot tri-axel cargo trailer that's in the process of being converted into a fully-functional art gallery equipped with track lighting and pedestal display for their works. The gallery will be pulled by a diesel truck.

"Our plan is to stun the art world and be a major draw for art collectors and enthusiasts across the country,'' said Comeau.

The artists were driving to the Buckhorn Arts Festival when Comeau noticed an RV parked alongside the road.

"That's when the idea hit me,'' said Comeau.

A few weeks later, Narhgang found the truck and trailer and the business partners were off and running.

Comeau said they will select some of Canada's premier festival and exhibition events to show their work. A long-term goal is to take the gallery on wheels to the U.S.

The gallery will get a trial run next May when, Comeau said, they will pull into the Kiwanis Walleye Fishing Derby.

"Initially we are planning to attend one event a month. Bookings have to be done well in advance. Our idea is to give the gallery a 'wow' factor. It's new and it's cultural,'' said Comeau. "We figure that in a time where new and innovative business strategies can make the difference, taking a mobile gallery to the national stage will make that difference.''

Comeau said the trailer is large enough to hold at least 150 pieces.

Plans are being finalized for the exterior graphics on the trailer.

"We thinks its a great opportunity to take art on the road. It's a big, cool idea and it's starting to unfold,'' said Comeau.

To follow the development of Canada's first gallery on wheels, go to www.roadhousegallery.ca.

Kris began to carve in November 1989, as a hobby.  After working in the auto body business for 16 years, Kris' hands were near crippled from overuse.  Doctors told him his hands would never work well again.  As therapy, and to provide gifts to family and loved ones for the holidays, Kris began to carve. 

The creative ability he possessed since childhood came to life in his work. Kris Nahrgang is an Ojibway Treaty Indian, and is currently the elected Chief of his community, Kawartha Nishnawbe First Nation.  Kris lives with his family in Big Cedar, Ontario, about 40 minutes north of Peterborough. 

His style has a balance of innovative, modern and traditional elements which have led to a growing recognition of his work across Canada and the world.  His work has been noted in art periodicals including Insight, Art Impression and Collectibles, as well as MacLeans Magazine.  In 1992, one of his pieces, "Spirit of the Earth" was presented to former U.S. President George Bush.  Also, a painting named "Reunion" was presented to the Duke of York, Prince Andrew and now hangs in his private office in Buckingham Palace.  In the summer of 1994, Kris was chosen to represent Canada at the Festival de Reviers in Normandy, France.  Kris joined 6 other top Canadian Native artists for the 50 year anniversary of the Allied Invasion.  In 1995, Kris presented a sculpture entitled "Trails of Nobility" to His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew, on behalf of Lakefield College School.  One of the more recent commissions Kris has completed is for International Vision Calls / 2020:  This resulted in the presenting of a very special eagle carving to Nelson Mandela. 

Visit Kris' website:www.spiritofthestone.ca