Mia's Past Awards

1999 Ontario OFAH Conservation Stamp - "Buffleheads - "Rites of Spring

1999 Art in the County
- People's Choice Award - "Cat's Eyes"

1999 Art in the County
- Honourable Mention - "Milkin' Time"

1999 Art Show at the Dog Show (Kansas) - Best Retriever Painting - "What's That?"

1998 Art in the County - People's Choice Award - "No Milk Today"

1998 Art in the County - Juror's Award - "Coolin Off"

1998 Sask. Wildlife Federation Conservation Stamp - Trumpeter Swans - "The Newlyweds"

1998 Conservation Stamp and Print for Nova Scotia - Blue Winged Teal

1997 Ontario OFAH Conservation Stamp - Lesser Scamp - "Going My Way"

1996 Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters - Artist of the Year

1996 Art in the County - People's Choice Award - "Love is Patient"

1995 Conservation Stamp & Print - Newfoundland & Labrador - "Lesser Scamp"

1994/95 Conservation Stamps and Print for Newfoundland and Labrador - Woodland Caribou - "Autumn Splendor" & "That's Cold!"

 

1991 Ducks Unlimited National Artist Award - Winning Painting "Who Me?"

1990 Ducks Unlimited Supplemental Artist Award - winning painting "My Buddy"

1989 Ducks Unlimited Supplemental Artist Award - winning painting "Fencerow Visitor"

1989 Illustration Award - Dog Writers Association of America

1988 'Dogs in Canada' 4 postage stamps



 Fine Artist and Animal Lover

Ever since she was a young girl, Mia Lane was convinced that she would become a fine artist. "I was about 13 years old when I sold my first piece of art", she recalls. "I found my inspiration in my love for the outdoors, for wildlife, and in particular through my special fondness for dogs," says the soft-spoken painter.

The colour and life that characterizes Mia's highly detailed acrylic paintings of animals stem from careful study and years of observation. Before starting each painting, she makes numerous sketches and photographs of the animal, carefully studying the way it moves and the distinctive features and markings that characterize the species or breed, especially concentrating on "expression". Finally, she thoroughly researches the habitat to ensure that the animal is portrayed in an appropriate setting. Mia has extensively worked with and trained Irish Setters in the Upland Game Field Trials, and also competed and worked with her Border Collies in Sheep Dog Trials. This and her experience as a breeder of Border Collies has given her a keen sense of the uniqueness of various breeds and a hands-on understanding of canine behavior and anatomy.

Mia Lane was born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1955. As the art training offered at that time was mostly limited towards a modern approach, and Mia preferred a more traditional direction, she chose an illustration course at Sheridan College. This gave her a more diversified background in the arts and also a better chance to use her art to earn a living.

After graduating in 1976, Mia worked as a designer and illustrator, gradually making a transition to fine art, working full time as an artist since 1984.

Today, Mia's work is both highly regarded and widely collected. Her originals can be found all over the world in private homes and art galleries. In 1988, Canada Post commissioned Mia to create four special "Dogs of Canada" postage stamps to commemorate the Canadian Kennel Club's centennial. The stamps were so well received that a special print of one of them was issued - a first for Canada Post.

In 1994 she exhibited and sold 17 originals in Japan, where one sold for $25,000.

Mia's work and involvement with conservation led to her being awarded the 1996 Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters 'Artist of the Year' Award and the subsequent commission for "Fireside Memories". Then again in 2000 she was honoured with this award, and her piece "Bred for a Purpose" was produced to help raise funds for conservation.

 

 

 

Canada Post "Dogs of Canada Stamps"

Recent noteworthy awards, throughout Mia's successful career are:

  • 2002 Art in the Country - People's Choice Award - "Contemplation"
  • 2001 British Columbia Wildlife Conservation Stamp - Canada Geese
  • 2001 Ontario OFAH Conservation Stamp - Weasel
  • 2000 Ontario Federation of Angler's and Hunters - Artist of the Year
  • 2000 Birds in Art Show - Prince Edward County - Best Painting in Show Award

 
[ mialane@mialane.on.ca ]