The bottom line for AFC Signature artist Bruce Lawes:  “Without the individual and corporate efforts today, we may not be able to preserve and enjoy all we cherish with our children tomorrow”. 

Bruce K. Lawes, is an internationally collected painter who was born in Toronto, Canada. He has remained a resident in the area all his life, however, as the broad range of subject matter in his paintings may suggest, Bruce has a keen interest in travel. “One of the first things you notice about the art of Bruce Lawes is the artist’s versatility; whether it be a figurative painting, a landscape or an equine his work always upholds a strong level of quality, craftsmanship and technical skill.” (International Artist Magazine 2011). 

In 2011 The American Art Awards honoured Lawes with ‘Best of Show’ and ‘three first prize’ awards. Also, in 2011 International Artist Magazine awarded Lawes with the ‘Grand Prize’ for his painting in the ‘People and Figures’ category. In 2012 Lawes has won numerous awards. At the Buckhorn Art Show Lawes was awarded the ‘Arabella Magazine prize’ for most impactful painting. American Art Awards, 2012, honoured Lawes with ‘The Stoney Award’ (most wins) and ‘The Masterpiece Award’ (deemed as most exceptional work) and ‘three first prizes’. International Artist Magazine awarded Lawes as a ‘Grand Prize’ winner in the ‘Favourite Subjects’ category. Southwest Art Magazine’s Artistic Excellence Competition and Artist Magazine’s Annual Art Competition acknowledged Lawes as a ’finalist’ in each of their contests. 

Lawes has done many personal and corporate works over the years, yet in order to give meaning to his work, he often paints with a significant theme. He continues to refine his natural talents while directing his paintings towards a greater purpose, when possible. He seeks out worthy programs that will generate public awareness and solid corporate participation. 

Bruce recently completed a major artwork depicting a chimpanzee, created specifically to support the Jane Goodall Institute. In an article on the AFC website homepage, Bruce describes the creative process and how his lifelong conservation hero, Dr. Goodall herself contributed to the artwork's completion.

"Many of my successful paintings tell a story and are a journey of learning and discovery. Whether I am researching something historical or have the challenge of creating a painting with great personal meaning. ‘Spirit of the Forest’ was both, a journey of the past adventures of an incredible lady and a journey with great personal meaning. Dr. Jane Goodall is my hero since my early childhood and I was determined, not only to create a significant painting, but also create something that she would be proud to say represented a part of her life with fond memories. I was quickly relieved when she first saw the painting and said, “That’s Fifi!”.  The painting will go on to raise funds so that the good work of Jane and her Institute will continue in perpetuity.