Artist's Statement

Born in 1932, Eugene Ristau came to Canada in 1953 from Hamburg, Germany. As early as he can remember, Eugene says he "was always interested in art, drawing and painting, even before attending elementary school. Painting is part of my life. Even if I never sold a single painting, I would still paint." He paints in oil, acrylic and watercolour and for him, "starting a new painting is always a challenge", but one he loves to meet.

Following the difficult wartime years, Eugene studied commercial art and graphic design in the Government College in Altona, Hamburg, successfully graduating and completing the four years. After moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba, he was employed for fourteen years in studios and advertising agencies as an illustrator, finding time to further his studies in Fine Art at the Winnipeg School of Art under Professor Nelson. As a member of the Manitoba Society of Artists, he has won several awards for his watercolours.

In 1955, Eugene Ristau visited Vancouver during a holiday. His love for the city and its beautiful harbor were expressed in a number of watercolours which he took back to Winnipeg with him. His desire to return to Vancouver and make it his home became a reality when he moved there with his family in 1967.

Eugene worked for many years for large printing companies in Vancouver as a designer and illustrator. He started his own business, "RISTAU GRAPHICS", in 1972, doing commercial art for various companies in the Greater Vancouver area until he retired eighteen years later. He recently passed away in March 2010.

Exhibitions / Shows

Eugene has had several one-man shows at leading art galleries in Vancouver, BC. He is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and his paintings are in the collections of:

Commissions / Projects

In 1970, Eugene was commissioned by Block Bros. Realty Ltd. in Vancouver to paint 13 watercolours for the "History of Canadian Homes" 1971 Centennial Calendar.