Toronto artist John Coburn has just returned from his first solo exhibition in Tokyo, to exhibit at Beckett Fine Art in Oakville. The show, titled, Paris and New York in Oakville features oil paintings, watercolour and pen and ink drawings captured as only this artist can, with whimsical passion, for which Canadians have grown to recognize as a John Coburn.

Coburn is well known on the Toronto art scene and has an international following as well. Robert DeNiro, British pop star Robbie Williams and Saks Fifth Avenue count as only a few among his collectors. Over the past two decades, Coburn has exhibited in galleries across Canada, the U.S., England and most recently, Japan.

When working in oils, Coburn creates a world of graphic colours and textures that captures a spirit of the place that inspires him. His pen and ink drawings are often whimsical and with just a few lines – like poetry – capture moments with such clarity and simplicity. City streetscapes with its recognizable detail immediately create a great curiosity and sense of discovery within the viewer.

Cities fuel his creative drive. "When I sit in those glorious avenues drawing or painting," says Coburn, "believe me, it's a tall order almost beyond my control that forces me to create works that acknowledge and grace such world class architecture, new or old. Big cities inspire great dreams and somewhere in between create great paintings. That's why I paint and that's why I can't get enough of big cities."

Inspired by the charm and historical architecture of Oakville, Coburn has recently been painting on the streets and is excited to share these pieces at his opening. This recent work and paintings from Coburn's travels to Paris and New York will be available to preview at Beckett Fine Art from May 23, 2006.