The Alpinist

Marc-André Leclerc was this incredible Canadian rock climber and alpinist. Peter Mortimer was filming a documentary about him (The Alpinist) when Marc-André just went MIA on the film crew and free solo’d Mount Robson’s Emperor face. Something that no one had ever done before. When the film crew asked him why he didn’t tell them so that they could film, he responded that it wouldn’t be the kind of adventure he was looking for if someone else was there. And that has got to be one of the most badass things I’ve ever heard in my life.

This video contains clips from the documentary The Alpinist. No copyright infringement is intended. In fact, I hope this video encourages anyone who hasn’t seen the film to watch it. You can stream The Alpinist on Amazon Prime in Canada.

The Alpinist Inspires the Artist

I recently reconnected to my authentic, artistic self last year after years of computer work and regular cycles of burnout. I learned how to use the airbrush I got as a graduation gift after 15 years of it sitting at my parent’s house. Almost immediately, I found myself drawn back to the art I loved in my childhood – portraits.

I knew I wanted to continue painting and honing my skills as a portrait artist. Initially, I was considering what kind of portrait I could make money with. I thought, “Who could I paint that might sell? …Taylor Swift?” But I was really uncomfortable with how superficial it felt to be trying to find inspiration through money. So I started to think about who and what really inspires me. And that’s when Marc-André came to mind.

Leading with Passion

I have no personal experience or interest, really, in climbing or alpinism. Yet I’ve watched this documentary, The Alpinist, at least six times. I think the way that Marc-André lived his life is so incredibly inspiring. And I seem to feel connected with anyone who is really passionate about anything that other people think is a bit crazy or out of the norm. I connect with people who tend to take things to the extreme. I am fondly familiar with the experience of finding a passion that puts you into this flow state and finally quiets your busy mind.

Marc-André was literally living in a stairwell and then in a tent in the forest in order to be able to continue doing what he loved. And even after gaining sponsorship from Arc’teryx and having Red Bull making a film about him, he was more focused on climbing for himself than for any sort of media attention or money.

And that’s when I knew exactly who I was going to paint next.

Arts on the Avenue Festival
Downtown Kelowna, BC
July 16th 2024

Do You Like Progress Videos?

Check out this timelapse of me airbrushing Marc-Andre’s eye.

Or this video of me adding texture and gold-leafing to the portrait.

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