John William Beatty, born in 1869 in Toronto, Ontario, was a pioneering figure in Canadian art, whose traditional approach to painting left an indelible mark on the landscape of Canadian art history. The son of Samuel and Mary Ann Beatty, John was one of nine children. From an early age, he was drawn to the world of art, influenced in part by his father, a sign and house painter. John’s early life was shaped by his father's trade, and it was in his father's shop that he first learned the basics of painting.
Though Beatty’s father envisioned a steady career for his son, hoping he would take up a reliable trade, John had other aspirations. After a brief stint with an engraving firm, where he was fired for a practical joke, Beatty apprenticed with a rival house painting firm. He quickly proved his skills, earning his journeyman's papers in 1885. However, his journey into art was far from straightforward.
At just 18, Beatty joined the 10th Grenadiers as a bugler during the second Northwest Rebellion, an experience that added a layer of depth to his character and, later, his artwork. After his military service, he worked as a foreman in a Minneapolis paint shop, only to return to Toronto following an injury. His return marked the beginning of his serious pursuit of art.
In 1890, Beatty married Caroline Cormack, and for nearly a decade, he worked as a house painter. However, the monotony of this work led him to seek more creative fulfillment. In 1899, he joined the newly formed Toronto Fire Department, where he became famous for his daring stunts on the firehouse's brass pole. Yet, even as a fireman, Beatty's passion for art never waned. He spent his spare time painting still lifes, portraits, and capturing the beauty of the Toronto waterfront at sunrise.
A successful solo exhibition in 1900 finally convinced Beatty to take a leap of faith. He resigned from the fire department and, with the savings he had diligently amassed, traveled to Paris with his wife to study at the prestigious Académie Julian under the guidance of Jean Paul Laurens and Benjamin Constant. During his time at the academy, Beatty's talent blossomed, and he received four monthly prizes for his figure drawing.
Returning to Toronto in 1901, Beatty opened a studio and began teaching at the Ontario School of Art and Design. He became an integral part of Toronto’s burgeoning art scene, attending classes at the Mahlstick Club and later becoming a member of the Graphic Arts Club. His thirst for knowledge and artistic growth took him back to Europe between 1906 and 1909, where he studied in Paris, London, and traveled through Holland, Belgium, Italy, and Spain. The French landscape painters of the Barbizon School, influenced by the English landscapist John Constable, left a profound impact on Beatty's approach to landscape painting.
Upon his return to Canada in 1909, Beatty emerged as a pioneer among Toronto artists, venturing into Northern Ontario for sketching trips by canoe—a bold move for the time. His landscapes, often featuring large, dramatic skies, such as The Evening Cloud of the Northland (1910) and Between Showers (1913), captured the raw beauty of the Canadian wilderness. He also began teaching at the Ontario College of Art in 1912, influencing a new generation of artists.
Beatty's friendships with members of the Group of Seven, particularly Tom Thomson and A.Y. Jackson, brightened his palette and inspired his work. However, despite his close ties with the Group, Beatty chose to remain within the bounds of traditional painting, achieving stunning results with the same Canadian subject matter.
In 1917, Beatty was appointed as an official war artist for the Canadian War Memorials, with the honorary rank of captain. He left behind his teaching duties and sailed to the United Kingdom, where he captured scenes from the front lines, including his remarkable canvas Ablain St-Nazaire, depicting the aftermath of war with an uncanny resemblance to the destruction left by a northern Ontario forest fire.
After the war, Beatty returned to Toronto and resumed teaching at the Ontario College of Art, where he remained until his death in 1941 at the age of 72. Despite his traditional approach, Beatty’s work was celebrated for its depth, capturing the essence of Canada’s landscapes and people. His paintings are held in esteemed collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Canadian War Museum.
John William Beatty’s legacy is one of dedication to his craft, a commitment to tradition, and an unyielding passion for the Canadian landscape. His work continues to inspire, standing as a testament to the enduring power of traditional art in a rapidly changing world.
Browse our collection of Canadian paintings for sale at the Canadian Classic Fine Art gallery, The best place to buy a painting online. We provide free shipping anywhere in Canada and the United States. Our Montreal art gallery sells paintings online exclusively and have a 14 days return policy.