Alexander Young Jackson, commonly known as A.Y. Jackson, was a pioneering Canadian painter whose work left an indelible mark on the country's art history. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Jackson's life and career were a testament to his deep connection with the Canadian landscape. His journey from a humble upbringing to becoming one of the founding members of the famous Group of Seven is a story of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression. Early Life and Education A.Y. Jackson was born on October 3, 1882, in Montreal, Quebec, the third of six children in his family. His interest in art was sparked early, influenced by his brother Harold, who worked as a lithographer. Jackson attended the Prince...
John Hammond (1843-1939) was a remarkable Canadian painter whose life and work were as varied and adventurous as the landscapes he so meticulously captured on canvas. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Hammond's early life was marked by hard work and a determination to pursue his passion for art, which would eventually lead him to become one of Canada’s most respected artists. Early Years and Diverse Experiences Hammond's journey into the world of art began in an unlikely place—a marble mill where he started working at the tender age of nine. By eleven, he had already made up his mind to become an artist, a decision that would shape the course of his life. His early years in Montreal provided...
Clarence Gagnon (1881-1942) stands as one of Canada's most distinguished painters and etchers, whose work encapsulates the essence of the Canadian landscape and the spirit of its people. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Gagnon was deeply influenced by his family's artistic and literary inclinations, which played a pivotal role in shaping his future as an artist. Early Life and Influences Gagnon was born to a family of French and English descent. His father, a man of responsibility at the Ogilvy Flour Mills, and his mother, a writer with contributions to American periodicals, provided Gagnon with a culturally rich environment. From an early age, he showed a proclivity for drawing and painting, nurtured by his mother, who introduced...
William Paterson Ewen, known as Paterson Ewen, was born in Montreal in 1925, into a family with a rich Scottish heritage. His father, originally from Scotland, had initially planned to work for the Hudson's Bay Company but instead became the manager of a fur auction house in Montreal. Ewen's upbringing was marked by strict discipline and personal challenges, which he navigated with resilience and independence. Military Service and Introduction to Art Ewen's path to becoming an artist began unexpectedly during his service in the Canadian army during World War II. He served in the infantry in the Netherlands from 1943 to 1946. After the war, Ewen's interest in art blossomed, leading him to enroll in a B.A....
Lionel LeMoine Fitzgerald, born in 1890 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, emerged as one of Canada’s most distinctive painters. His journey into the art world began at a young age. At 14, while working in a wholesale drug office, he took night classes at A.S. Kesztheli's Art School in Winnipeg from 1909 to 1912. His early employment included stints in an engraver's plant and a stockbroker's office, but by 1912, Fitzgerald had committed himself fully to the pursuit of art. Transition to Full-Time Artist Around 1912, Fitzgerald decided to embrace art full-time, marrying Vally Wright and starting a family with two children, Edward and Patricia. To support his family, he engaged in various art-related jobs, from decorating windows to...
