David Craig Bio

The late artist David Craig was one of Canada’s most talented and respected artists and illustrators. Born in Saskatchewan, he grew up in Ottawa, Ontario. Craig attended an art-oriented high school in Ottawa and later pursued his education at the Ontario College of Art & Design in Toronto (OCAD). He developed a keen fascination with depicting Canadian history throughout his long and successful career.

David worked with a variety of clients, including Harlequin, Reader’s Digest, Chatelaine, Marquee, and numerous other publications. He collaborated with organizations such as the NHL, CFL, Worldwide Embassies, and Molson. Among his notable achievements, he designed coins for the Royal Canadian Mint, including the sesquicentennial silver dollar. Additionally, he created a series of paintings that commemorated Canada’s contributions during World War II.

Craig’s artistic expression was characterized by meticulous attention to detail and accuracy. It was said that he dedicated as much time to researching his subjects as he did to creating his impressive artwork. His work received public acclaim at the O’Keefe Center in Toronto, where he became the first illustrator to hold a solo exhibition at this prestigious venue. The exhibit featured over 200 illustrations spanning fifteen years and was extended for a month longer than originally scheduled due to popular demand. This retrospective of his work highlighted his unique style, commitment to detail, and bold use of color.

In recognition of his talent, David Craig received the 2003 James Madison Book Award for his illustrations in the children’s book "First to Fly: How Wilbur and Orville Wright Invented the Airplane." This American award brought him international attention and praise, notably from Lynne Cheney, wife of then-American Vice President Richard Cheney. "First to Fly" has been celebrated as a detailed and imaginative tribute to American history.

As a cherished talent in both Canada and beyond, Mr. Craig remained dedicated to artistic communication and expression throughout his career. This website is managed by David’s son, Travis, and his partner, Nicky, with the goal of documenting and sharing David’s celebrated work from the many years he was admired in the industry.