Gershon Iskowitz, born in 1921 in Kielce, near Warsaw, Poland, was a renowned Canadian painter whose life and work were profoundly shaped by his early experiences during World War II. His journey as an artist began at an early age, with aspirations to paint taking root when he was just six years old. By the age of 16, in 1937, Iskowitz had entered the Warsaw Academy of Artists, and a year later, he was accepted into the prestigious Cracow Academy of Fine Arts. However, his studies were abruptly cut short in 1939 when the Nazi army invaded Poland, forever altering the course of his life. The horrors of the Holocaust deeply impacted Iskowitz and his family. By 1942, he,...
Lawren Stewart Harris, born in Brantford, Ontario, in 1885, was a towering figure in the development of Canadian art, known for his profound influence on the Group of Seven and his exploration of both the Canadian landscape and abstraction. His journey from a sickly child, often confined to bed, to a leading figure in Canadian art is a story of talent, determination, and a relentless pursuit of artistic innovation. Early Life and Education Harris was the son of Thomas Harris and Anne Stewart, and despite his frequent illnesses, he enjoyed a happy childhood. His love for drawing and painting emerged early, as he spent his convalescence creating Christmas cards for his family and sketching the homes in his...
Born in 1895 in England, Roland Gissing emerged as one of Canada's most beloved landscape painters, renowned for his depictions of the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies and the vast expanses of the western plains. Gissing's journey from the rolling hills of England to the wilds of Alberta is as captivating as the scenes he meticulously captured on canvas. His story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep connection to the landscapes that inspired him. Early Life and Western Adventures Roland Gissing was born into a literary family; his father, Algernon Gissing, was a well-known author, and his uncle, Robert George Gissing, was a noted English novelist. Despite his family's literary background, Gissing was drawn to the...
Marcelle Ferron, born in 1924 in Louiseville, Quebec, was a pioneering force in the world of Canadian abstract art. Her journey from a small town in Quebec to international acclaim is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft and her relentless pursuit of artistic freedom. Ferron's work, characterized by its vibrant colors and bold forms, left an indelible mark on the Canadian art scene and continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike. Early Life and Artistic Beginnings Marcelle Ferron's artistic journey began at the tender age of 15, sparked by an inspiring art teacher at the convent school she attended. Recognizing her talent and passion, she pursued formal studies at the École des Beaux-Arts...
Allan Edson, born Aaron Allan Edson in 1846, was one of Canada's most captivating landscape painters, whose work continues to be celebrated for its delicate interplay of light and shadow. Born in Stanbridge Township, Canada East (now Quebec), Edson's early life was steeped in a mix of rustic charm and artistic influence. His father, Hiram Edson, ran the American House hotel in Stanbridge Village, a stone's throw from the Vermont border. It was here that young Allan was exposed to the world of art through a neighbor, John Carpenter Baker, an art collector with a private gallery. Baker's influence would prove pivotal in Edson's career, setting him on a path that would eventually lead him to study under some of...
