Dorothy Elsie Knowles, born in 1927 in Unity, Saskatchewan, is a celebrated Canadian landscape painter whose works have profoundly impacted the Canadian art scene. Known for her ability to capture the vastness and beauty of the Canadian prairies, Knowles has carved out a unique space in the world of landscape painting, demonstrating that this traditional genre remains vibrant and relevant.
Early Life and Education
Knowles’ early years in Unity, Saskatchewan, were marked by the wide-open spaces and natural beauty of the prairies, which would later become the central themes of her artwork. She pursued higher education at the University of Saskatchewan, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. Initially, Knowles worked as a laboratory technician, but her passion for art soon led her down a different path.
Her first foray into the world of painting came through evening classes at the University of Saskatchewan, where she studied under Eli Bornstein and N. Bjelejac. This foundational experience sparked her interest in further developing her artistic skills, leading her to attend summer courses at the renowned Emma Lake workshops. There, she studied with influential figures like Will Barnett, Clement Greenberg, Jules Olitski, Joe Plaskett, Kenneth Noland, and Lawrence Alloway, each of whom left a mark on her evolving style.
In 1951, Knowles broadened her artistic horizons by studying briefly at the Goldsmiths School of Art in London, England. This international experience, combined with her extensive studies in Canada, laid the groundwork for a career that would be both rich in technical skill and deeply rooted in the Canadian landscape.
Artistic Career and Style
Dorothy Knowles’ marriage to fellow artist William Perehudoff in the early 1950s was a partnership that enriched both of their artistic lives. The couple traveled to France and Italy in 1952, immersing themselves in the European art scene before returning to Canada, where Knowles would begin to make her mark.
Her first solo exhibition took place in 1954 at the Saskatoon Art Centre, setting the stage for a series of successful shows across Canada. Notable exhibitions included those at the James Art Studio in Saskatoon (1962), the Regina Public Library (1963), and the Mendel Art Gallery in Saskatoon (1964). Her works were met with acclaim, and she quickly gained a reputation as one of Canada’s finest landscape artists.
Knowles' approach to painting is characterized by her commitment to working directly from nature. She developed a unique technique that involved integrating charcoal sketches with thin layers of paint, allowing the charcoal to show through and become an integral part of the composition. This method gave her landscapes a distinct depth and texture, setting her apart from her contemporaries.
Her work often focused on the landscapes of northern Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon area, where she captured the subtle variations in light and color that define the prairies. In a 1968 exhibition at the Moose Jaw art museum, the Moose Jaw Times-Herald noted, "Miss Knowles is one of the finest landscape artists in Canada. She proves to us that landscape painting is still a real and important art form."
Life as an Artist
Dorothy Knowles’ dedication to her craft extended beyond her painting. She and her husband were avid collectors of art and pottery, and they built an extensive art library, finding inspiration and enjoyment in both music and literature. Her process of creating art was meticulous, involving not just the painting itself but also the preparation of canvases, which she stretched and sized herself.
In the 1960s, Knowles overcame the challenges of painting outdoors in the rugged Canadian landscape by purchasing a large van, from which she could paint directly on location. This innovative solution allowed her to capture the essence of the prairie landscape without the interference of mosquitoes and dust, which had previously been problematic.
Recognition and Legacy
Dorothy Knowles’ contributions to Canadian art have been widely recognized. Her work is represented in several prestigious public collections, including the Willistead Museum in Windsor, Ontario; the Hamilton Art Gallery; the Art Gallery of Ontario; the University of Saskatchewan; and the Saskatchewan Arts Board collection.
In 1967, Marie Nagel of the Star-Phoenix in Saskatoon highlighted Knowles' ability to "integrate her charcoal sketches on the canvas with the paint," praising the way she captured the prairies' unique beauty. Andrew Hudson, writing for Canadian Art, also recognized her talent, noting the "limpid and staccato brushwork" that distinguished her landscapes.
Today, Dorothy Knowles is celebrated as a pioneering figure in Canadian landscape painting. Her work not only captures the beauty of the Canadian prairies but also serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of landscape painting in the modern art world. Living in Saskatoon with her husband, Knowles continues to inspire with her dedication to depicting the natural world, reminding us of the power of art to connect us with the places we call home.
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