Canadian artists. Canadian painting and G7 artists

Until the beginning of the 20th century, Canadian art was closely connected with European art. Canadian artists were trained traditional art and techniques used by ancient masters and modern artists who lived on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. However, this did not prevent the positive response received by artists who sought to reflect the special character of this vast country and its people.

Cornelius Krieghoff (1815–1872), originally from Germany, achieved perfection in the landscape genre. He made numerous sketches of picturesque places in Quebec, especially snowy landscapes. His style was much reminiscent of the style of Dutch landscape painters. Krieghoff's contemporary, Paul Kane, was born in Ireland in 1810. He traveled across the prairies and Rocky Mountains to Pacific Ocean along with fur traders. Along the way, he drew everything he saw (for example, the last buffalo hunt). His paintings, quite in the spirit of the times, reflect the life of the West, which was on the verge of change. IN late XIX century Quebec artists were influenced French impressionists, whose technique was used to depict rural and urban landscapes of eastern Canada. Maurice Cullen's (1866–934) Montreal landscapes appear to have had a major influence on residents' perceptions of their city. The same can be said about the landscapes of Quebec by James Wilson Morris (1865–1924).

A later generation of artists settled in Toronto. They created art school, which not only reflected the Canadian landscape, but also emphasized the identity of this country. These artists became known as "Group of Seven". The roots of this artistic association go back to 1911, when the painting “On the Edge of the Maple Forest” by Montreal artist A.I. Jackson was shown in Toronto. The bright color and special texture of his paintings amazed local artists. On their advice, Jackson moved to Toronto. Here he rented a studio together with other artists who were fans of his talent. Jackson became friends with by self-taught artist Tom Thomson. Thomson grew up in the village, knew how to fish, rowed a canoe and shot a gun. Thomson's rough style later became more refined under the influence of Jackson and other artists who admired his bold technique.

A wealthy artist patron, Dr. James McCallum, provided them with his summer residence in the Georgian Bay area. McCallum, along with wealthy artist Lawren Harris, who was patronized by the Massey-Harris engineering firm, also provided the artists with a famous studio building overlooking Toronto's Rosedale Gorge. Thomson lived secludedly in a small shack next to the studio. There the artist worked on creating his most beautiful paintings from oil sketches he made in nature. Among these paintings were the most beloved among Canadians - “The West Wind” and “Banks Pine”. Thomson drowned in 1917. His death was a shock to his friends. Nevertheless, in 1920 they founded the Group of Seven. In addition to Jackson and Harris, it included Frederick Varley, Frank Johnston, Arthur Lismer, Franklin Carmichael and J. I. H. MacDonald. In their paintings they depicted the wilderness of the Canadian Shield in the same energetic manner that characterized Thomson. Varli excelled in portraiture. Carmichael portrayed not only natural landscapes, but also countryside, as well as mining villages. Harris created landscapes of the North in a primitivist style, and later switched to abstract art.

In indigenous tribes, art has developed since prehistoric times: the Inuit carved sculptures from wood or deer antler, other tribes also left behind many works of art, from rock art to ornate pottery. The first European emigrants eschewed local customs and supported European traditions. IN during the XIX and the beginning of the 20th century. local artists traveled to Paris and London to study European art. At the beginning of the 20th century. artists tried to develop a distinctive national style. The country itself has become a permanent subject of Canadian painting: green forests, majestic landscapes and northern wild nature. Today, Canadian art reflects a variety of artistic movements.

Artists of the New World

In the 17th century French settlers in Canada either imported religious paintings or had them commissioned to decorate new churches. Only Samuel de Champlain, "father New France", stood out for his sketches of the Huron tribe. After the war with the British in the 60s. XVIII century art has moved from religious motifs to political topics, country, people. Army officer Thomas Davies (1737–1812) painted beautiful, delicate paintings; you can immediately feel the artist’s love for the nature of his country in them. Robert Field (1769–1819) worked in the neoclassical style that dominated Europe at the time and achieved great fame, as did other Quebec artists Antoine Plamondon (1817–1895) and Théophile Hamel (1817–1870). Cornelius Krieghoff (1815–1872) settled in Quebec and became famous for his snowy landscapes, both settlers and indigenous people appear in his paintings. His contemporary, Paul Kane (1810-1871), studied the lives of the indigenous peoples of Canada during his epic journey through Canada. He left behind about 100 sketches and paintings of their lives, the most impressive of which is Perot (1856). During the 19th century. the artists focused on the theme of Canadian nature. Homer Watson (1855–1936) and Ozias Leduc (1864–1955) were the first artists to learn their craft in their homeland.

Following the formation of Confederation in 1883, the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and the National Gallery of Canada were founded. Now artists could study their craft in their own country, but many still preferred to go to Paris to study. Curtis Williamson (1867–1944) and Edmund Morris (1871–1913) returned to Canada from France full of strength and determination to revive national art. In 1907 they founded the Canadian Arts Club, where new trends in painting were presented.

Contemporary artists

Undue influence European art Canada was criticized by perhaps the most influential association of Canadian artists, the Group of Seven. Before the First World War, Toronto artists protested the lack of national unity in the arts. By the 20s. XX century Thanks to this group, the Canadian style of painting was formed, embodied in bold, bright landscapes. Despite early death, artist Tom Thomson also made a major contribution to the development of Canadian painting. In the work of the three most notable artists of the 1930s. the influence of the Group of Seven is felt, but at the same time each of them had their own distinctive features, and each in his works demonstrated love for his native province; David Milne (1882–1953) was famous for his still lifes, L. Fitzgerald (1890–1956) for scenes from Everyday life, and Emily Carr (1871–1945) with powerful depictions of the Salish tribe and their totem poles.

The strong influence of the Group of Seven caused protest among new generations of successful artists. John Lyman (1866-1945) denied the group's ardent nationalism. Inspired by the work of Matisse, he moved away from the principle of using the country as the main subject of painting. Dayman founded the Society in Montreal contemporary art and promoted a new direction in painting in 1939–1948; Even surrealism reached the city.

Since the Second World War, the popularity of new forms of painting based on abstraction has grown sharply. In Montreal, Paul Emile Borduas (1905–1960), with two associates, created a group of “automatists”, preaching the principles of surrealism and abstract impressionism. In the 1950s, Canadian artists gained international recognition. Post-war trends also developed in Toronto, where members of the Painters Elven group created abstract paintings. Today, Canadian artists work in completely different styles, and following modern global trends, and supporting Canadian cultural traditions.

Indigenous art

Inuit and Northern First Nations art is highly valued in Canada. Among the archaeological finds are many works of art of the ancient Inuit - from small sculptures to carved forts, which were then made for religious purposes.

When Europeans arrived on the land of the Inuit, they quickly learned to use their skills to good effect and began to carve sculptures from bones, tusks and stone for sale. Today, Inuit artists such as Akghadluk, K. Ashuna and Tommy Eshevek are celebrated for their contributions to contemporary Canadian art (their sculptures are especially prized). North Shore Indigenous sculptures are renowned throughout the world, especially the cedar carvings of Bill Reed and totem poles by Richard Krentz.

Indigenous art celebrates their legendary survival skills, stories and myths, as well as their land and the struggle to preserve it.

Sculpture

European sculpture became known in Canada with the advent of the French, who made sacred sculptures to decorate churches. Sculptors, including Louis Quevillon (1749–1832), created decorative altarpieces and marble statues in Montreal. European traditions dominated throughout the 19th century, and in the 20th century. New Canadian cities began to require numerous civic monuments. Thus, the facade of the Parliament building in Quebec was created according to the design of Louis-Philippe Hébert (1850–1917).

Elements of indigenous style are visible in many 20th century sculptures., as well as elements of European styles, including Art Nouveau and Art Deco. In the 1960s Canadian sculptors sought to develop a national style. Usage modern materials and the influence of conceptual art - here character traits the work of contemporary Canadian sculptors, for example, Michael Snow.

One example modern painting, undoubtedly, are the works of Canadian artist Jonathan Earl Bowser. The artist was born in 1962. In Canada. His talent for painting manifested itself in early childhood. So, his first sketches appeared at the age of 8. Earl Bowser is a 1984 graduate of the Alberta College of Art in Calgary. After five years in commercial illustration, which helped him acquire technical skills in drawing and painting, he began to work independently, bringing a new vision to modern art. On this moment Bowser works in an original manner, which he himself called Mythical Naturalism. His paintings are whimsical landscapes intertwined with images of amazingly beautiful female angels. He often presents his girls in the flesh - naive, passionate, tender, and sometimes vicious, they simply attract the eyes of the audience

“The artist’s task is to try to see the world as it is, and not as it seems to people who rely on their unreliable feelings. The artist must cling to the mysterious poetry of which the world is made, always hoping to find a rare and fleeting glimpse of the Truth behind the veil of illusion that influences our thoughts and perception of the world. This unknown mythical-poetic foundation of the world consists of two fundamental aspects: the first is the tangible, changing the dynamic processes of the cosmos - the masculine principle; the other is intangible, gently beckoning you inside into eternal peace, which in its infinite perfection never changes - feminine. It is the second aspect that I glorify in my work - the Mystery of the Cosmos and the Mystery of Woman.”

And in fact, Bowser’s works are written in a very peculiar manner of the so-called “fantasy”, which makes his works very popular among fans of this genre. Bowser works with traditional materials - canvas and oil, which surprisingly combines with the direction of his work. His paintings can be found in private collections around the world - from Europe to Asia. Even the Governments of China and Taiwan purchased a series of his works for their collections. Among paintings there is also a series of unique painted plates located in various famous galleries peace. His series of 4 paintings "Native American Land" and "Sky Mother" were published and became famous throughout the world.

Bowser's work should be approached from a philosophical point of view, perceiving his vision of the world as a kind of matrix. The images created by the master are a kind of search for lyrical poetry, which envelops our world with a light flair. His paintings are true works of modern art, which are undoubtedly worth paying attention to all lovers of modern painting.

Jonathan Earl Bowser is the author of over 130 original paintings and drawings, which are stored in 13 art galleries world: in America, Europe and some Asian countries. In all the artist’s paintings the main actor The Goddess of Nature always appears.

One example of modern painting is undoubtedly the work of the Canadian artist Jonathan Earl Bowser. The artist was born in 1962. In Canada. His talent for painting manifested itself in early childhood. So, his first sketches appeared at the age of 8. Earl Bowser is a 1984 graduate of the Alberta College of Art in Calgary. After five years in commercial illustration, which helped him acquire technical skills in drawing and painting, he began to work independently, bringing a new vision to modern art. At the moment, Bowser works in an original manner, which he himself called Mythical Naturalism. His paintings are whimsical landscapes intertwined with images of amazingly beautiful female angels. He often presents his girls in the flesh - naive, passionate, tender, and sometimes vicious, they simply attract the eyes of the audience

“The artist’s task is to try to see the world as it is, and not as it seems to people who rely on their unreliable feelings. The artist must cling to the mysterious poetry of which the world is made, always hoping to find a rare and fleeting glimpse of the Truth behind the veil of illusion that influences our thoughts and perception of the world. This unknown mythical-poetic foundation of the world consists of two fundamental aspects: the first is the tangible, changing the dynamic processes of the cosmos - the masculine principle; the other is intangible, carefully beckoning inside into eternal peace, which in its infinite perfection never changes - the feminine principle. It is the second aspect that I glorify in my work - the Mystery of the Cosmos and the Mystery of Woman.”

And in fact, Bowser’s works are written in a very peculiar manner of the so-called “fantasy”, which makes his works very popular among fans of this genre. Bowser works with traditional materials - canvas and oil, which surprisingly combines with the direction of his work. His paintings can be found in private collections around the world - from Europe to Asia. Even the Governments of China and Taiwan purchased a series of his works for their collections. Among the paintings there is also a series of unique painted plates, located in various famous galleries around the world. His series of 4 paintings "Native American Land" and "Sky Mother" were published and became famous throughout the world.

Bowser's work should be approached from a philosophical point of view, perceiving his vision of the world as a kind of matrix. The images created by the master are a kind of search for lyrical poetry, which envelops our world with a light flair. His paintings are true works of modern art, which are undoubtedly worth paying attention to all lovers of modern painting.

Jonathan Earl Bowser is the author of over 130 original paintings and drawings, which are stored in 13 art galleries around the world: in America, Europe and some Asian countries. In all the artist’s paintings, the main character is always the Goddess of Nature.

For this article in our series on international artists, we're turning our attention to Canada, highlighting five artists who are creating fantastic work from illustration to graphic design and more! I asked each artist how their country and culture influenced their work, and they gave fantastic answers. Enjoy!

Marie Bergeron

Mary is an illustrator and graphic designer based in Montreal. She creates bright projects and colorful fanart mashups of some of your favorite titles. Check out a small selection of her work below or more in her portfolio.

Captain America and Hail Hydra

Canada is a very peace-loving country. We are very open and multinational. This makes us a great country for this. One of my favorite things to do is get lost in nature. I don't do this as often as I used to, but our area and nature are incredibly rich.

Here Lies Joe and Sweven Films

Art can be found almost everywhere in many forms. We have many festivals. Jazz, World, African, Arabic, Just for Laughs, Street Art Festival. They are everywhere! Art festivals inspired me the most. Artists from all over the world perfect their skills here in Montreal.

Hannibal and Screenprint

Nobody I know in the art industry plays solo. We all work together. We all push each other. Our roots are here in the artistic field, and they only grow every year. Although there are only a few of us in our field, compared to a wide range of studios and creative people in the States, we manage. I wouldn't trade this country for anything.

Caleb Hamm

Caleb is a freelance artist from Winkler, Manitoba, Canada. Inspired by his surroundings and love for nature, he creates wonderful work with incredible detail and symbolism. Check out a small selection of his work below or more in his portfolio.

Scattered Necklace

With such a huge influx of immigrants, ethnic diversity has a huge impact on our worldview. My city of 10,500 has transformed from a predominantly monoculture farming town into a thriving community of people from 125 countries in just the past two decades. Our first art gallery officially opens tomorrow.

Rooted in the foundations of existence

Herald

My early childhood at an international missionary camp Papua New Guinea also had a big impact on the anthropological interest I have in culture, and especially in disappearing indigenous cultures around the world. Ever since I was a child I have been very interested in First Nations North America. I spent several years teaching art and music on an isolated Ojibwe reservation, and this provided fertile ground for my expanding research.

Lunar Sanctuary

Canada is such a huge country, and so much of it still remains untouched. The breadth and wild beauty of each province provides another rich source of inspiration. There's nothing better than going on a canoe trip with old friends on a lake or river system. Beauty not only intoxicates, but brings me back to my easel with fresh inspiration.

Shawn Hight

Sean is a designer and cartoon graphics artist from Vancouver, Canada. His animations are graceful, complex and speaking. Check out a small selection of his work below or more in his portfolio.

Matsu

I like the people here. Canada seems to attract positive, forward-thinking people. Because the majority of people living in Vancouver are not from here, which makes for a place with a rich culture and different points of view.

Costa - Fix Florida

Vancouver is a very creative city. It's full of artists and inventors pushing our industry forward. It's also a stunning city where nature starts right in your backyard. You can take mountain walks and skiing 30 minutes from the city. You're surrounded by beaches and rain forests, making it easy to escape the daily hustle and bustle of the city.

FITZ: Toronto 2016 teaser

Slack - work simplified

Access to nature and being surrounded by forests and water also influence my work. I have many friends who love active image lives who also work in the film industry. They're always doing little fiery projects and they need titles or graphics, which is something I always volunteer for.

Lidija Paradinovic Nagulov

Lydia is a surface and textile artist currently based in Toronto, Canada. She scoops beautiful patterns out of her love for nature, and you can find her tutorials here on Envato Tuts+. Check out a small selection of her work below or more in her portfolio.

Rose du Monde

I'm still getting used to my new surroundings, but what shocked me the most was how much different people lives here, and how sincerely kind they are to each other. I lived in a very homogeneous society, where everyone looked a little alike and everyone had almost the same background. Toronto is an amazing palette of ethnic diversity and somehow I feel at home.

Nature is such an important part of Canadian life and my biggest inspiration. I spent an insane amount of time at Ripley's Aquarium, drawing fish or just looking at them. I'm also a regular visitor to the ROM Botanical Gardens and the Toronto Zoo. In fact, since I moved here, I've been drawing less from digital specimens and more from nature, and I think this gives my work more authenticity.

Walking around the city, you can easily notice love relationship Toronto is home to art and artists - there is so much amazing murals, independent art shops, temporary exhibitions and just a lot of creativity in the air. I'm glad to be a small part of all this.

Giuseppe Simpatico

Giuseppe is a designer and contemporary portrait artist based in British Columbia, Canada. His unique portraits have texture and are full of vibrant colors. Check out a small selection of his work below or more in his portfolio.

Canada is a magnificent country with a variety of landscapes. It is an inviting country that values ​​all cultures. I have traveled to many cities in Europe, Mexico and North America and I truly believe that we have so many wonderful world features gathered in one place. Every time I return home from another country, I realize that this place is perfect for living.

I am originally from the Okanagan Valley located in southern British Columbia, Canada. When given the opportunity to escape from a busy life, I love that B.C. offers me space to think about what to create next. My art style tends towards raw and organic. The unique texture and colors I use create a result full of emotion. I find beauty in the light and texture created by simple lines and layers of color. My work is an opportunity for me to create something unique, bold, organic and fresh - just like B.K. herself.

Modern portraits - digital drawing No. 19

The technology sector is developing very quickly, attracting many developers, designers and animators. They all express creativity in their own unique style. This is another reason why I love being where I am. Technology and art are merging here, and I think we'll start to see some interesting projects coming together.