Cecil Oakes was born in Brampton, Ontario in 1952.  He studied at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto and did his post graduate in Victoria, B.C..  Cecil started his professional art career in Victoria in 1975 as a freelance commercial artist specializing in architectural illustration and sign design. In 1982, he founded and directed “Vancouver Island Studios and Gallery” which gathered and promoted a small group of graphic and fine artists through a co-op gallery and studio spaces in Victoria.  Since 1991, Cecil has been working primarily in the fine art market, exhibiting and selling his work  worldwide. 

     " Ever since I can remember, I've had a keen interest in art.  From an early age, the encouragement and support of my family and teachers urged me to pursue and refine my knowledge and skill."     

As Cecil's education and mastery evolved, He pursued a practical career in commercial illustration and graphic design. This, exposed him to many styles, techniques and mediums.  It also established a structured work environment that has given him the discipline to work on his own and meet personal deadlines.  After sixteen years of commercial art, Cecil chose to get out from behind the computer and go back to his brushes and paints fulltime. Since he  was able to use many different mediums and was comfortable with numerous styles and techniques, the question of what, when, why or how he chose to do this remains to this day, a constant challenge.  

" Eventually, I came to the realization that I had no interest in specializing in one technique or medium or establishing a "signature" style.  My creative evolution would take me on an ever changing journey of discovery."

          " Love is an endless Art  -  Art is an endless Love."