Creativity at Play

A Trip Down Memory Lane, Experiencing the Group of Seven first hand, and an aspiring artist's reward Written for: Wednesday March 29 With March being a great month of exploring the world of using pastels and experimenting I found it about time for a reward and burst of inspiration to help further explore this form of creativity and what better place to visit than the McMichael Art Gallery- home to the Group of Seven's artwork and much more. So with that decided I put the plan in motion to head back to there and revisit the gallery a second time. I looked forward to this trip after it being so long since the first time a second visit I'd hope would give me a greater chance to appreciate the artwork and doing it myself to appreciate the artist's styles and efforts.   Group of Seven The feeling of familiarity came almost instantly as we drove down the long driveway into the art gallery as if it were almost yesterday I was there. Now it wasn't just the b...

From left side to right side: Fred Varley, A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris, Barker Johnston (not a part of the Group of Seven), Frank Johnston, Arthur Lismer and J.E.H. MacDonald In 1920, seven distinct and individual artists came together to discuss art in Canada and paint. Then they were known as Lawren Harris, J.E.H MacDonald, Franklin Carmichael, A.J. Casson, Arthur Lismer, A.Y. Jackson and the honourable member Tom Thomson , but with the insight of Lawren Harris and J.E.H MacDonald became the group now known as the Group of Seven. Who as a group were determined to change the art scene in Canada, showcasing their own take on Canadian landscape leading the way for future artists in Canada. For this we thank them, and have the rare opportunity to understand the inspiration behind their works. (J.E.H MacDonald representing the Group of 7). Question: So tell me fellows how did you become a group from individual artists into the Group of 7? Answer: Really, it was Lawren (Harri...