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It was in 1909 after securing a job as an engraver for Grip LTD that he began to paint in his spare time. The other employees included Franz Johnston, Arthur Lismer, Frank Charmichael and Fred Varley. These men would later form the Group of Seven along with AY Jackson, JEH Mac Donald and Lawren Harris. Though Thomson painted with these men he was never officially part of the Group of Seven.
Thomson died unexpectedly, in 1917 at the age of 39, of a possible drowning accident. Since his death his art has come to stand as Canada’s first national art with little connection to Europe and its influences. The work of Thomson and the Group of Seven still has a powerful influence stylistically on Canada and its subsequent generations of artists who respond to its bold honesty.
Bibliography
The Group of Seven and Tom Thomson
David P. Silcox
Firefly Books 2003
Quote
The source of our art then is not in the achievements of other artists in other days and lands, although it has learned a great deal from these, our art is founded on a long and growing love and understanding of the North in an ever clearer experience of oneness with the informing spirit of the whole land and a strange brooding sense of Mother Nature fostering a new race and a new age… ~Lawren Harris
Bold stuff. Never heard of this guy before but his design sense is strong. Thanks!
Really thought those new paintings you posted last week were top shelf. Forgot to post a comment about it.
Best wishes,
Kev
i;m impressed, but not so like,
i like the colours though
Well, as a Canadian I appreciate the attention to Thompson and the Group.
For the Brits, there is a large exhibit in London right now of many of these works.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/painting-canadian-art-world-class/article2209339/
I've run into enough reading questioning whether illustration, or graphic design arts should be considered fine art. I think these paintings prove we should all be jealous of those with that background, for what these skills bring to the table.
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Kev,
Thanks for the kind words on my paintings.
Thomson and the Group of Seven at their best, epitomize what painting from life is about an honest depiction of the experience. Thomson as a primarily self taught painter has little in the way of artistic heritage and stands out from the rest of the group because of it.
LL,
Its an aquired taste but worth a second look.
Judy,
I think art is a rare thing and not exclusive to galleries and museum shows of work.
Craig,
You Canadians probably get tired of the focus on the group of seven for art and Rush for rock and roll.
Armand, Thanks so much for posting this. I forgot about Tom Thomson…I love his work. I first saw it in Ottawa at a great show at the national gallery years ago- its truly his own voice and really captures the wilderness.
Mary,
Thanks I agree about Thomson, he was the real deal.
Armand! Another informative, and inspiring post! I like how you scout out information to feed the hungry souls of ours! Thanks!