Canadian Landscapes: Group of Seven, Post-War and Contemporary

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Colin Graham, “Daybreak,” (1915-2010)

oil on Canvas, 18 x 24 in. (courtesy of the Gallery)

Embark on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Canada’s breathtaking landscapes. This immersive showcase invites you to explore the works of distinguished artists from coast to coast, whose brushstrokes contributed to the construction of Canadian landscape painting as a national tradition.

Canadian Landscapes serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of landscape painting in Canada, where artists have sought inspiration from the vast and diverse geography that defines the nation. The exhibition fosters an appreciation for the land and its magnificence. Join us in celebrating this timeless journey through nature, where each stroke of the brush unveils the soul of Canada’s remarkable landscapes.

The exhibition features two Group of Seven members J.E.H. MacDonald and A.J. Casson, along with notable Contemporary and Post-War artists John Horton (CSMA, FCA), Bruno Joseph Bobak, Dorothy Knowles, Colin Graham, Llewellyn Petley-Jones, Gordon Smith, Tom Stone and more.

Georgian Bay became the captivating subject for both paintings by Group of Seven members, MacDonald and Casson, in our current exhibition. In the 1900s when many young painters were struggling economically, their patron, Dr. MacCallum, invited members to his rambling wooden cottage to sketch and paint, which they did gladly.

J.E.H. MacDonald, as a founding member of the Group of Seven, played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Canadian art history. His visionary approach to landscape painting, characterized by bold colors and a deep connection to the Canadian wilderness, contributed to the development of a distinct national artistic identity. MacDonald’s leadership and artistic contributions not only laid the foundation for the Group of Seven movement but also influenced subsequent generations of Canadian artists, leaving an enduring impact on the country’s cultural heritage.

Alfred J. Casson, a member of the iconic Group of Seven, contributes his masterful interpretations of the Canadian Shield, with an outcropping of rocks protecting the viewer from the waves of the bay. His dynamic compositions showcase the rugged grandeur of northern landscapes, celebrating the untamed beauty that has become synonymous with Canada’s wild spaces.

Colin Graham, known for his mastery in portraying the landscapes of the West Coast, invites visitors to witness the ebb and flow of the Pacific through his mesmerizing artworks. With a keen eye for detail and a profound appreciation for the sea’s ever-changing moods, Graham’s pieces capture the essence of coastal life and the enduring allure of Canada’s western shores.

John Horton (CSMA, FCA) skillfully uses light and shadow to breathe life into the enticing waves, imparting a palpable sense of movement to his maritime scenes. Horton’s work not only showcases technical mastery but also evokes a profound connection to the ever-changing moods of the sea, inviting viewers into a world where the ocean becomes a powerful and emotive canvas.

Dorothy Knowles, celebrated for her evocative depictions of the prairies, captures the vast expanse and nuanced beauty of Canada’s heartland. Her paintings transport viewers to the windswept fields and expansive skies that define the Canadian prairie landscape, inviting contemplation and connection with the natural world.

Gordon Smith, a luminary in the Canadian art scene, presents his unique perspective on the West Coast landscapes. Smith’s work in this exhibition offers a glimpse into the sublime beauty of British Columbia’s tangled gardens and branches, as we appreciate the delicate, snow-covered winter branches.