M. Bernard Loates (born January 1, 1945) is a Canadian artist, lithographer and publisher in the manner of the private press movement.
The family home was in Newtonbrook, a northern Toronto neighbourhood bordered by woods on the east side.
Loates and his twin brother met Frederick Henry Brigden, founder of the Canadian Watercolourist Society, at his studio there.
He held several jobs before being employed by Atomic Energy of Canada, beginning as a file clerk and becoming the lead draughtsman by age 19.
It was here that Loates’ illustrated his first book[5] beginning a long-lasting relationship with Publisher/Distributor Holt, Rinehart and Winston, as well as, Prentice Hall.
The first publication featuring Casson was Elora and Salem; Twenty Sketches[12] released for a retail price of cdn$18,000.
[17] During this time Bernard toured the Southern United States as a guest speaker at selected universities.
Some of the artists published were Tony Bianco, Claudio D'Angelo, Michael Dumas, Robert Genn, Dwayne Harty, George McLean, Alan Wylie, Thomas Quinn and Rudi Stussi.
In 1999 Loates entered an agreement with Aboriginal Canadian artist Norval Morrisseau also known as Copper Thunderbird, and the "Picasso of the North", to produce a folio of serigraphics based upon thirty of his original works of art.
Due to health issues of Morrisseau, this edition was "signed in the plate"[19] using the Cree syllabics for Copper Thunderbird.
The first release featured Lawren Harris and previewed at the 11th Toronto International Art Fair[20] during October 28 to November 21, 2010.
Loates’ original oil entitled ‘Early Spring Eastern Bluebird’, painted expressly for the Wildlife Exposition and commissioned by the New York Audubon Society was also offered as a signed and numbered limited edition print.
Loates has continued his painting career to this day, his work hangs in private collections both throughout North America and internationally.
While married to Lynda Veitch, Loates built his dream home which housed his family and growing business, including a lithographic press.