A dictionary definition of the French word “Genre” states that it is a category of artistic works, so we added the French word for two (Deux) to set us off on the second installment of our feature on teddy bear artists whose talents show up on canvass (or on paper, art board, etc.).
There are literally thousands of talented teddy artists who sculpt incredible bears with needle and thread, but we wanted to examine the exciting art work of bears that can hang on the wall.
As we mentioned in our first article on the subject, we had such a great response that it called for a second installment, so here we go!
Canadian artist Chantal Giroux did this teddy bear piece just for our article.
Our next artist, Chantal Giroux, is an active member of Bears&Buds and makes her home to our north in Saint Johns, New Brunswick Canada.
This delightful teddy bear artist was attracted to teddy bears right from her childhood, and they remain her passion today.
Her daughter Laura, who is also a teddy bear artist, is quick to praise her mother’s talents.
Chantal’s work includes her expressions in knitting, crochet, tatting, painting, embroidery and a long list of other forms of creating amazing teddy bears.
Daughter Laura says “Mom made her first crochet bear about 7 years ago, and I still have it! Bear making is not a job for her; it is her life.”
Take a look at Chantal’s other creations too.
Chantal Giroux
Chantal's Bears Collection
Member Since August 2005
Polar Bears are always a welcome addition to our pack. Artwork titled The Last Polar Bear by Illustrator Wendell Minor.
To discover a variety of teddy bear artists who work with a paint brush, we did a web search, which led us to the R. Michelson Galleries, where a host of talented artists offer their work.
We were struck by a painting by artist Wendell Minor, and while it is not technically a teddy bear, it is a close relative; a charming polar bear with strong visual appeal.
Minor is a well known illustrator, whose work has graced the covers of over 2000 books, including best sellers such as Fried Green Tomatoes, To Kill A Mockingbird, Terms of Endearment and a host of others.
He studied at the Ringling School of Art and Design in Florida and has been creating original designs for book publishers since he completed his studies. Take a look at his work.
This charming watercolor titled Teddy's Friend is by artist Margaret Quinnett.
Our search of the Internet led us to Liverpool England and the Liverpool Academy of Arts.
They have a web site that provides details of the Liverpool Bear Festival, with proceeds in Aid of Arthritis Research.
What a grand opportunity to obtain teddy bear art work and help a worthy cause at the same time.
The Festival includes an exhibition of teddy bears on loan by famous owners from the world of television, radio, film and sport, plus a host of other teddy bear theme memorabilia.
We checked out the art work by local artists and discovered a watercolor titled “Teddy’s Friend” by artist Margaret Quinnett.
Unfortunately the Liverpool Academy of Arts Bear Festival's web site does not provide information about each artist, but they do provide a link for your questions.
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Afternoon Tea by artist Susan Rinehart.
Susan Rinehart was born in Murnau, Germany in 1949, then came to the United States in 1954 when her father’s tour of duty ended.
She became interested in art while very young, influenced by her artist Grandfather. She was very prolific and was admitted to a college art class while still in High School.
Sudan went on to complete her formal art training at Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles.
Her work involves the use of a variety of mediums, including oils, acrylics and pastels.
Susan has developed a strong following that includes celebrities, corporations and art lovers throughout the country.
You can see a selection of her paintings that include teddy bears
on her web site.
One of the most active artists in our group is Bev White, who submitted her pastel titled Valley Forge George.
They say that if you want to get something done, go to the busiest person you know, and that would have to be teddy bear artist Bev White.
She and her husband Mike have raised 5 children, including two sets of twins, and have 13 grandchildren.
Bev is a Nurse by profession, but started a doll business in 1984 called Happy Tymes Collectibles. One of her creations was Goldilocks, which led to the Three Bears and then she was hooked on teddies.
Over the years Bev and 2 or 3 helpers have produced approximately 200 to 300 bears each year from her home studio, and her creations have graced the covers of no less than 10 trade magazines.
Bev’s one-of-a-kind auction teddies always command huge prices, such as the Millennium piece she did for research of histiocytosis (a blood disease) that brought $20,500.00!
She does bear designs for a number of manufacturers, and launched Global Designs for her own manufactured editions, expanding that under the name Teddies To Go.
Bev is probably best known for her amazing Portrait Bears and she continues to rack up national and international awards for her work.
More details on her web site.
Bev White
Happy Tymes Collectibles
Member since March 2009
This bear drawing is one in a series of illustrations that artist Robin Rive did for a charitable cook book.
Wonder if it included recipes with honey??
If the artist made teddy in your collection sports the distinctive initials RR on his or her right paw pad, it was likely the creation of International award-winning teddy artist Robin Rive.
Robin dates her teddy bear work back to 1973 and has a huge following throughout the world for her soft collectibles that are 100% designed and made in New Zealand.
Several years ago she moved her workshops from Auckland to her design studio at Oakdale Farm, now producing very small limited editions and one-of-a-kind teddy bears.
Her collectors club began in 2002 and has grown rapidly, with a new club year beginning in July.
Robin is an active part of our growing family of Bears&Buds artists and collectors.
She shared her artistic talents by doing a series of teddy bear drawings to illustrate a cookbook that raised a considerable sum for the Rotary Club in her area to carry on their charitable works.
You can discover some of her wonderful creations at her web site.
Robin Rive
Robin Rive Bears
Member since July 2005 |
3428 Hillvale Road 
