William Walton Armstrong, born in Toronto in 1916, embarked on a fascinating journey that took him from the Canadian heartland to the cultural epicenters of Europe, all the while shaping his identity as a painter of notable sensitivity and depth. As the only child of divorced parents who lived outside Canada, Armstrong’s upbringing was marked by a certain independence, his education largely overseen by his mother’s family. His early interest in art was nurtured by sketching from books on ancient Greek and Roman art, laying the foundation for his later explorations in various artistic traditions.
By the age of 12, Armstrong had moved to Ottawa to live with an uncle, an astronomer responsible for the magnetic survey. This period in Ottawa was formative; he attended Glebe Collegiate, where his academic and artistic talents began to flourish. His return to Toronto for university studies marked a significant transition, staying with another uncle, a cattle supplier, and immersing himself in a rigorous academic environment at the University of Toronto. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in languages (1937-1941), a discipline that would later inform his deep engagement with the cultural and artistic heritage of Europe.
Armstrong’s formal art education continued at the Ontario College of Education (1941-1942), where he qualified for a teaching certificate. His studies under prominent Canadian artists Carl Schaeffer and Charles Comfort further honed his skills. He quickly transitioned into teaching, taking positions at Upper Canada College and Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario, where he taught languages and art history.
In 1945, Armstrong moved to Montreal, a city that would become a significant base for his artistic career. He became an instructor of painting at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, a position sponsored by Arthur Lismer, one of Canada’s foremost artists. Armstrong’s first solo exhibition in 1946 at the Royal Victoria College, McGill University, was well-received, highlighting his skillful use of color—a hallmark of his work.
The late 1940s and early 1950s were a period of growth and exploration for Armstrong. His interest in the works of Poussin, Rembrandt, and particularly the French artist Matisse, deeply influenced his evolving style. His 1948 engagement as an instructor in adult education painting classes at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts School under a McGill University program marked his increasing influence in the Canadian art scene. His first trip to Europe in 1949, with a focus on Italy, was pivotal. It not only expanded his artistic repertoire but also solidified his connection with European art traditions, which would continue to inform his work throughout his career.
Armstrong's time in Italy, particularly between 1952 and 1957 in Florence, was transformative. His paintings from this period, shipped back to Montreal and exhibited at prestigious venues like the Waldorf Galleries and George Waddington Galleries, were met with critical acclaim. His return to Canada in 1957 marked a period of prolific creativity, painting alongside fellow artists like John Fox in St. Hilaire and Hemmingford, Quebec. His studio apartment in Old Montreal became a creative hub, further establishing his reputation as a significant figure in Canadian art.
In 1968, Armstrong settled in Thornhill, Ontario, where he continued to create, travel, and exhibit his work across major Canadian cities. His exhibitions, such as the solo show at the Cambrian Rose Gallery in Ottawa in 1985, were celebrated for their meticulous attention to detail and masterful use of color. Critic Nancy Baele noted Armstrong’s ability to render still lifes, nudes, and landscapes with a restrained yet sensual palette, emphasizing his artistic integrity.
Armstrong's legacy is preserved in numerous public collections, including the Vancouver Art Gallery, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, National Gallery of Canada, and Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, as well as in many private collections across Europe and North America. His work continues to be celebrated for its cultural resonance and technical mastery, reflecting a life dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence.
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