Tony Scherman (1950 - 2023) is one of the most collected and celebrated Canadian artists working today. He is renowned internationally for his work, typically executed in encaustic – a mix of beeswax, oil, and pigment – which is one of the most difficult mediums to work in.

His deep palette and sumptuous subjects, whether contemporary, historical, or allegorical, often reference the titans of figurative painting ranging from Goya to Manet.

It is hard to think of another Canadian woman who has been a muse to so many artists. Karen Kain, the internationally adored ballerina, has been painted by numerous artists including Andy Warhol, Charles Pachter and of course Tony Scherman.

This moody and elegant depiction of a ballet dancer "on pointe" pays homage to Canada's most celebrated dance artists. The result is a fantastic example of Scherman’s singular aesthetic and technique. Rich, textured layers of creamy flesh tones, shades of white, cream and pink are contrasted with Scherman's intense chiaroscuro background, creating a luminous composition that captures of drama of a dancer spotlit on a dark stage.

Tony Scherman’s work can be found in nearly every public collection in Canada as well as many international museums, including LACMA (Los Angeles) and Centre Pompidou (Paris).