The Oldest Angel Artist Proof
$2,650.00
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There’s an immediate, gentle humor the moment you meet Lawrence and his very unexpected companion. The figure’s proud, ceremonial stride—bright patterned robes, a feathered headdress, and a tiny lifted chin—reads like a self-possessed parade, while the bear’s slow, weighty presence offers a warm, comic contrast. Christensen balances those personalities against a carefully detailed backdrop: the sunlit masonry and clipped greenery feel serene, and the black-and-white checkered floor gives the scene a quiet, theatrical stage. Small touches—Lawrence’s ornate staff, the bear’s shaggy texture, the bird perched above—make the story feel tender rather than ominous. You can see why viewers bring their own readings: it’s about attachment, denial, or simply the absurd pleasure of a mismatched pair going about their business. The image delights in character and story, offering a smile that lingers long after you step away.
The Artwork
About Lawrence Pretended Not to Notice That a Bear Had Become Anniversary Edition
Lawrence Pretended Not to Notice That a Bear Had Become<br> ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Lawrence Pretended Not to Notice That a Bear Had Become Attached to His Coattail
"This is one of those paintings that most people can relate to," says James C. Christensen, "although often for a different reason than you may expect. I think everyone occasionally ignores problems in the hope that they will fade away, but that"s not the only interpretation for the image. When wildlife painter Bonnie Marris saw this painting she cried, "�That poor bear! This is the third guy he"s gotten attached to this week and this isn"t even his neighborhood! Did you ever think about that?"
"Personal experience has a major influence on people"s interpretation of the painting"s message.When I gave a talk to third graders about trusting their ideas, I asked them what they thought Lawrence " was about. One little girl said, "�You shouldn"t take pets home without asking your mom.""
This classic Christensen image, a perennial collectors" favorite, is now available for the first time as a Fine Art Limited Edition GiclTe Canvas.
"This is one of those paintings that most people can relate to," says James C. Christensen, "although often for a different reason than you may expect. I think everyone occasionally ignores problems in the hope that they will fade away, but that"s not the only interpretation for the image. When wildlife painter Bonnie Marris saw this painting she cried, "�That poor bear! This is the third guy he"s gotten attached to this week and this isn"t even his neighborhood! Did you ever think about that?"
"Personal experience has a major influence on people"s interpretation of the painting"s message.When I gave a talk to third graders about trusting their ideas, I asked them what they thought Lawrence " was about. One little girl said, "�You shouldn"t take pets home without asking your mom.""
This classic Christensen image, a perennial collectors" favorite, is now available for the first time as a Fine Art Limited Edition GiclTe Canvas.
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About the Collection
James Christensen (1942–2017) was a visionary fantasy artist known for his whimsical paintings that blend mythological storytelling with magical realism. His work, inspired by Renaissance art and surrealism, features imaginative characters, intricate details, and symbolic elements such as floating fish, which represent wisdom and wonder. Christensen’s unique artistic voice brought to life fairy tales, fables, and medieval-inspired dreamscapes, making his fine art prints and collectible fantasy artwork highly sought after. His ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary continues to captivate art collectors and dreamers alike.
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This piece is artist signed and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
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Image copyright © 2026 by James Christensen.
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Limited-edition artwork includes a Certificate of Authenticity when one is issued by the artist, publisher, studio, or authorized source. Open-edition pieces may not include a certificate; this does not affect their authenticity. The Collection Shop sources artwork through artists, publishers, authorized distributors, galleries, and other approved channels. Any additional documentation included with this specific piece will be noted above.
It is with deep regret and profound sadness that The Collection Shop announces the passing of artist James C. Christensen on Sunday, January 8, 2017.
Inspired by the world's myths, fables and tales of imagination, James C. Christensen wants his work to add up to more than a beautiful - if sometimes "curious" looking work of art. Having taught art professionally for over 20 years, he likes to think of the world as his classroom. His hope is that through whatever he creates-be it a porcelain, fine art print or book-he can convey a message, inspiration or a simple laugh. He believes that teaching people to use their imagination helps us find solutions to sooth the stresses of everyday life-or get a little lift to help us keep going. In short: all things are possible when you share Christensen's philosophy that "Believing is Seeing." Christensen was born in 1942 and raised in Culver City, California. He studied painting at Brigham Young University and, for a while, the University of California at Los Angeles before finishing his formal education at BYU. Since then, he has had one-man shows in the West and the Northeast and his work is prized in collections throughout the U.S. and Europe. Christensen has also won all the professional art honors the World Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention can bestow, as well as multiple Chesley Awards from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. Christensen has been designated as a "Utah Art Treasure," one of Utah s Top 100 Artists by the Springville Museum of Art and received the Governor s Award for Art awarded by the Utah Arts Council recognizing the significance of Christensen s artwork to Utah s cultural communities. He was inducted into the U.S. Art magazine s Hall of Fame and is an Honored Alumnus at Brigham Young University for his contributions to fine art and education. James and his wife Carole, co-chair the Mormon Arts Foundation. He is a frequent guest lecturer at Brigham Young University, and has also given workshops to large companies and organizations on the subject of creative thinking, including the California Art Educator s Association, Hallmark and Intermountain Health Care. In addition to his fine art limited editions on paper and canvas, Christensen s work can be found in five acclaimed books and a series of interactive journals and in three dimensions in porcelain and hand-crafted limited-edition bronze sculptures
Inspired by the world's myths, fables and tales of imagination, James C. Christensen wants his work to add up to more than a beautiful - if sometimes "curious" looking work of art. Having taught art professionally for over 20 years, he likes to think of the world as his classroom. His hope is that through whatever he creates-be it a porcelain, fine art print or book-he can convey a message, inspiration or a simple laugh. He believes that teaching people to use their imagination helps us find solutions to sooth the stresses of everyday life-or get a little lift to help us keep going. In short: all things are possible when you share Christensen's philosophy that "Believing is Seeing." Christensen was born in 1942 and raised in Culver City, California. He studied painting at Brigham Young University and, for a while, the University of California at Los Angeles before finishing his formal education at BYU. Since then, he has had one-man shows in the West and the Northeast and his work is prized in collections throughout the U.S. and Europe. Christensen has also won all the professional art honors the World Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention can bestow, as well as multiple Chesley Awards from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. Christensen has been designated as a "Utah Art Treasure," one of Utah s Top 100 Artists by the Springville Museum of Art and received the Governor s Award for Art awarded by the Utah Arts Council recognizing the significance of Christensen s artwork to Utah s cultural communities. He was inducted into the U.S. Art magazine s Hall of Fame and is an Honored Alumnus at Brigham Young University for his contributions to fine art and education. James and his wife Carole, co-chair the Mormon Arts Foundation. He is a frequent guest lecturer at Brigham Young University, and has also given workshops to large companies and organizations on the subject of creative thinking, including the California Art Educator s Association, Hallmark and Intermountain Health Care. In addition to his fine art limited editions on paper and canvas, Christensen s work can be found in five acclaimed books and a series of interactive journals and in three dimensions in porcelain and hand-crafted limited-edition bronze sculptures
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