Femininity as seen through
the art of James Simon
Artistic works reflecting women’s calm resilience and warm compassion
By Andrew Burlone
Edited on July 18, 2025
James Simon, a Montreal artist born in 1950, has established himself as one of Canada’s leading contemporary portraitists. His artistic journey is rooted in the vibrant art scene of Montreal—a cosmopolitan city that, from an early age, shaped his tastes and his style. Primarily self-taught but always attentive to local creative movements, Simon developed a fascination with portraiture at a young age, drawn to a genre that allowed him to combine keen observation, technical skill, and psychological sensitivity.
The artist devotes considerable time to observing, preparing his compositions, and then meticulously painting, with each canvas becoming a true act of memory and tribute.
Since the 1980s, Simon has specialized in official portraiture, working both from live models and photographic references, particularly for posthumous commissions. According to Simon, this work aims to reveal the deeper personality of each subject. His approach goes far beyond a simple search for physical resemblance; each portrait seeks to capture the memory, the history, and even the aura of the subject, whether a public figure or someone unknown.
James Simon’s style is distinguished by his extreme attention to detail and carefully crafted backgrounds. Unlike the academic approach, he prefers to integrate narrative elements into his scenes, such as decorative motifs or meaningful objects from the subject’s life. These details are not mere background decoration; they add an intimate dimension, making each portrait unique and immediately recognizable.
His mastery of painting technique—evident in the rendering of fabrics, skin tones, and hair—is paired with a nuanced palette that reflects both classical traditions and contemporary influences. Simon’s foremost aim is to capture a moment of truth, a singular expression, or a gesture that reveals the subject’s authenticity. He spends significant time observing, preparing his compositions, and then painting with meticulous care—each canvas becoming an act of memory and tribute.
‘The attention to memory, and the desire to preserve the dignity and uniqueness of each person, make his work an essential link in Canada’s artistic heritage.’
Simon’s studio in Montreal fully reflects this world: textiles, antiques, photographs, and unfinished canvases fill the space, all contributing to the patient, attentive process behind each portrait. The city itself is ever-present, seen in the light, the diversity of his models, and the artist’s open approach to all communities. For Simon, to be a portraitist in Montreal is to capture the many faces of the city and bear witness to the richness of its human fabric. This is evident in the variety of commissions he receives, both from institutions and from individuals eager to preserve the memory of a loved one.
James Simon’s work resonates especially in his posthumous portraits, which he paints from archival photographs. According to numerous accounts, he succeeds in recreating a living presence from sometimes fragmented sources, thus offering families and institutions a sense of permanence, legacy, and solace. This attention to memory and to honouring the dignity and uniqueness of each person makes his work a vital part of Canada’s artistic heritage.
One significant phase in James Simon’s career was the creation of a series of paintings reflecting on the human condition and femininity, delving into the complexity of emotions and destinies through his female subjects. He composed portraits in which the human figure becomes a vehicle for a broader reflection on the dignity and the sensibility of women. This approach aligns with his desire to reveal the deep personality of each subject, taking on a universal dimension here by addressing themes such as solitude, sharing, and everyday struggles.
At the heart of this series, femininity is portrayed in all its depth, neither idealized nor reduced to stereotypes, but approached as a vast and multifaceted field of experience. James Simon draws inspiration from women in his circle to create a portrait of the modern woman, constantly evolving. The carefully rendered backgrounds include symbols of intimacy, memory, emphasizing the central role of women in passing down values and stories. Through his painting, Simon thus provides a poetic meditation on what he calls “the quiet strength of humanity,” bringing to light individual destinies that resonate far beyond the frame of each portrait.
This series stands as a sensitive testimony to the struggles, tenderness, and diversity of women’s paths, contributing to the recognition of women’s place in both contemporary artistic and social history. Simon’s exploration of the human condition and femininity has earned him recognition from a wide audience who are moved by the truthfulness, restraint, and depth of his approach.
‘James Simon draws inspiration from models in his circle to create a constantly evolving portrait of the modern woman.’
Despite a career spanning several decades and widespread recognition in artistic circles, James Simon remains deeply discreet. He prefers direct relationships with clients and collectors over public exposure, and describes himself as a silent witness to everyday life. This modesty is never about self-effacement, however: the consistency of his approach, the depth of his vision, and the quality of his work have earned him the unwavering respect of his peers and many art lovers across the country and beyond.
Today, at a time when portraiture is often overshadowed by the flood of digital images, James Simon’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of observation, time, and memory. His paintings continue to honour the humanity, lived experience, and unique beauty of every face he encounters. Through his career, Simon has ensured the renewal of traditional painting, connecting generations and perpetuating, canvas after canvas, the enduring power of art in the service of individual and collective memory.
You can visit James Simon website for more information.
Images: James Simon
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Andrew Burlone, co-founder of WestmountMag.ca, began his media journey at NOUS magazine. Subsequently, he launched Visionnaires, holding the position of creative director for over 30 years. Andrew is passionate about culture and politics, with a keen interest in visual arts and architecture.
