Peter Ewart, born in 1918 in Kisbey, Saskatchewan, is a celebrated Canadian painter whose work has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Canadian art. With a career that spanned several decades and regions, Ewart's paintings are a testament to his deep connection with the Canadian wilderness and his keen eye for the beauty of nature.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Ewart's early years were shaped by his family's move to Montreal, where his parents, both teachers, nurtured his growing interest in the arts. His father, an enthusiastic amateur painter and photographer, played a significant role in encouraging Ewart's passion for art and the outdoors. By the time he completed high school in the mid-1930s, Ewart had already decided to pursue a career as an artist.
His initial artistic training was largely self-directed, with additional instruction through life classes at Sir George Williams College in Montreal. In 1938, a small inheritance allowed him to study at the Commercial Illustration Studio in New York City. Although Ewart initially chose commercial art for practical reasons during the Depression, his true passion lay in fine arts, particularly landscape painting. During his time in New York, he was inspired by exhibitions of artists like Frederick Waugh, Carl Rungius, and Celmore Browne, which solidified his decision to focus on landscape painting.
Career in Commercial Art and Military Service
Upon returning to Montreal, Ewart embarked on a career as a freelance commercial artist, working for various advertising companies, including the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and Canadian Pacific Airlines. His work for these companies included creating 24 travel posters, some of which were later featured in the book Canadian Pacific Posters 1883-1963 (1990), for which Ewart wrote the preface. His commercial art career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a draftsman for an aeronautical engineering school operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and later enlisted as a wireless operator.
While stationed in Calgary and the West Coast of British Columbia, Ewart took advantage of his free time to sketch the landscapes of Banff and the B.C. coastline. These experiences deepened his appreciation for the rugged beauty of the Canadian wilderness, a theme that would dominate his later work.
Transition to Fine Art and Move to British Columbia
After being discharged from the military in 1946, Ewart returned to Montreal and continued his work as a commercial artist for the CPR. However, his passion for fine art soon took precedence. He began painting mountain landscapes and seascapes, and his work was quickly recognized, with two of his paintings being accepted and displayed at the Spring Shows of the Art Association of Montreal (now the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts).
In 1948, Ewart moved to British Columbia, a decision that would prove pivotal for his artistic career. Shortly after settling in Vancouver, he married and took a job with O'Brian Advertising. Encouraged by his employers, he took his work to the Alex Fraser Galleries, which became his dealer and supported his transition into full-time fine art.
Artistic Achievements and Legacy
By 1952, Ewart held his first highly successful solo show, featuring works inspired by the Cariboo region of British Columbia. This marked the beginning of a prolific period in his career, with annual shows at the Alex Fraser Galleries continuing until 1977. Ewart's work during this time often featured figures, particularly single riders, set against the dramatic landscapes of British Columbia.
Ewart's dedication to capturing the essence of the Canadian wilderness led him to explore some of the most remote and rugged areas of the Rocky Mountains. Starting in 1978, he began backpacking to these locations, immersing himself in the natural beauty that would become the subject of many of his paintings. His commitment to his craft was evident in the sheer volume of work he produced, averaging 75 to 100 paintings a year.
Ewart's paintings have been exhibited in numerous solo and group shows, including at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Royal Academy of Arts, and the Alwin Gallery in London, England. His work is held in prestigious collections, including those of the Bank of Montreal, Canadian Pacific Railway, Westcoast Transmission Co., and many other corporations and private collectors in Canada and abroad.
Conclusion
Peter Ewart's life and work are a celebration of the Canadian landscape. From the vast, untamed wilderness of British Columbia to the majestic Rocky Mountains, his paintings capture the beauty and spirit of the land he called home. Ewart resided in Surrey, British Columbia, where he continued to create art that resonates with viewers, both in Canada and beyond. His legacy as a painter who brought the Canadian wilderness to life on canvas remains an enduring contribution to the country's artistic heritage.
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