Bear Hansen studied Graphic Design at the Durban Technical College from 1973 to 1975. He worked as a graphic designer for 10 years for various companies, then practised his art on a  freelance basis from 1986 until today.

He ended up doing book illustrations for school books for many years and even published four of his own books.  He felt frustrated drawing on such a small level, whereafter he decided to paint in large format, starting with painting pop art in acrylic paint and then progressing to multi-medium portraits, pencil portraits and drawings.

These days he teaches portrait drawing in-between a few graphic design jobs, picture framing and painting a few commissions.  He lives in Clarens with his wife who paints landscapes in oil paint and water-colour.