Featured Artist: Edgardo “Ed” Lantin

Kuwentuhan sa Hardin by Ed Lantin

VANCOUVER SOCIAL CORNER
By Bert Morelos

Edgardo “Ed” Lantin, born in the Philippines, finished in 1976 a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. He worked as a graphic artist before immigrating to Canada in 1981.

He pursued his passion for portraiture and attended private art classes with an accomplished and renowned Filipino Artist, SYM Mendoza, founder of the Dimasalang III International Group of Artists in which Ed is also a member.

Ed is recognized for the quality of realism in his portraits. He brings professional exactness to his work, an energetic dedication and enthusiasm that infuse the entire creative process with enjoyment for both artist and subject.

The Bathers at Dolores, Quezon by Ed Lantin

His first important commission was a portrait of former Philippine President Corazon Aquino in 1989 which is displayed at the Malacanang Palace Museum.  Other distinguished personalities he painted portraits for include Philanthropist Whitford J. VanDusen which hangs at the foyer of the VanDusen Garden in Vancouver.

Influenced by Rembrandt, Velazquez and Sargent, these portrait masters provide a constant source of inspiration and standard for Ed’s pursuit of artistic excellence. “I like to capture the personality and character of the subject” he says.

Fishermen by Ed Lantin

“I must be sensitive to the subject and present them at their very best. I like to express the mood and the quality of life, so as to give strength and drama to the painting.” Ed’s commitment to each portrait he paints is revealed in the elegance and grace of his finished work.

In 1986, Ed was awarded a full year scholarship at the Art Student League in New York and also took sculptural anatomy class at New York Academy of Art.

The Cycle of Harvest by Ed Lantin

He is now an established artist working from his studio in Vancouver and has travelled extensively all over outside of Canada. Honoured by various awards from the Federation of Canadian Artists, Ed was the recipient of the “Most Outstanding Merit Award” at the 1991 National Portrait Seminar in Atlanta, Georgia.

On May 19, 2015, Ed was awarded the Early Achievement Award by the Federation of Canadian Artists for Accomplishing Excellence in the Field of Fine Arts.  His private and commissioned collections are substantial and varied, establishing him as an accomplished, contemporary artist.

Jericho Beach Last Day of Fall by Ed Lantin