Biography
Neil Hamelin is an established portrait artist whose work has received national recognition, including multiple commissions from the Royal Canadian Mint.
His portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and other subjects have been featured on Canadian coins. Hamelin has been awarded ‘Best of Show’ for 2-D Art at the Calgary Stampede’s Western Showcase in both 2016 and 2024. Since 2017, he has been selected annually to participate in the prestigious CM Russell Auction in Great Falls, Montana.
Artist Statement
Canadian artist Neil Hamelin captures the stories of our heritage through the weathered wood and flaking paint of forgotten landscapes. His oil paintings bring to life the people, homesteads, and places that hold Canada’s history.
A life-altering injury in 2010 led him to painting as a creative outlet, launching a journey of self-taught artistic discovery. His work is deeply personal, inspired by his Métis grandparents’ struggles and the vast tales of adventure that shaped the nation.
Living rurally on the Canadian prairies with his wife, Cheri, Hamelin experiences history firsthand. Cheri works as a teamster in a traditional carriage and wheelwright shop, and together they engage in historical farming practices and mountain travel by horse and wagon—an immersive way of life that directly informs Hamelin’s work.