Cyril Leeper
(1949–)
Cyril Leeper
1949–
Cyril Leeper (1949– ) is a renowned Canadian portrait artist who has gained widespread recognition for his official portraits. His portfolio features prominent personalities such as astronaut Chris Hadfield and former Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed. Leeper’s artistic prowess and attention to detail have earned him a reputation as highly sought-after portrait artist.
Leeper was born in Toronto and went to The Grange, part of the Ontario College of Art. He also received private lessons from HD Sheppard. In 1968, Leeper received a scholarship to study at the Accademia di Belle Arte di Roma in Italy and the Escuela Superior de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid, Spain. He returned to Toronto in 1973 and worked with Kenneth Forbes for six years.
Throughout his career, Cyril painted royal portraits commissioned by Buckingham Palace, including Sir Henry Bedingfeld and the Duke of York. He also painted officials such as Commander Chris Hadfield. In 2002, the artist was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Gold Jubilee Medal. In 2005, he received the Saskatchewan Medal at the Legislature for his achievements in Fine Arts.
Leeper lives in Tiny Township by Georgian Bay.