THE GROUP OF SEVEN

THE GROUP OF SEVEN

If you had to promote Canada what is one image that you would use! Write it down or draw it! Do not discuss with classmates!

Frank Johnston

Frank Johnston • Francis Hans Johnston known as Frank but soon to change his name to Franz, was a Torontonian, a gifted and versatile artist whose ability to work quickly and to create attractive designs was much admired. • He had served briefly in the Canadian War Memorials program at home, with startling and large paintings of planes.

Fred Varley

Fred Varley • Varley had made a promising start as an artist after two years at art school in Antwerp, and then faced a lack of opportunity to advance quickly in England. • Varley was always the odd man out among the Group members due to his popularity as a portrait painter.

Arthur Lismer

Arthur Lismer • Arthur Lismer was born in Sheffield, England and received his training there and in Antwerp before emigrating to Canada in 1911. • A gifted writer and educator who had early established his own design business in Sheffield, he brought the sense of pioneer with him to Canada, where he sensed the opportunity for unlimited creation and the possibility of Utopian ideals. • By 1920 Lismer had made a considerable mark as a teacher and educator, and also contributed major works to the Canadian War Memorials domestic program

J.E.H. MacDonald

J.E.H. MacDonald • Usually called “Jim” by his colleagues, was born in Durham, England. • By the time MacDonald met Harris he was a leading commercial artist in Toronto, and excellent writer and a poet. • The northern light, the pattern of snow, the profiles of conifer trees, and a sense of the mystery embedded in the rawness of nature all touched a nerve for MacDonald

Lawren Harris

Lawren Harris • Harris was the key instigator of the Group of Seven • Harris always had the energy and means to take initiatives.

A.Y. Jackson

A.Y. Jackson • Usually called “Alex” by his friends, was born and grew up in Montreal. • He became fed up with Montreal’s negative attitudes toward Canadian art and artists and moved to Toronto. • He served as a private in the war, then as a war artist in the Canadian War Memorials program. • He has a wry sense of humour that was noticed in the Group

Frank Carmichael

Frank Carmichael • Was the youngest of those present at the Group’s founding meeting. • Born in Orillia, ON, and trained in his father’s carriage business, he started work as a commercial artist in Toronto in 1911. • He shared a studio with Tom Thomson upon his return in 1914. • He was known to the others through his clever work as a commercial artist and an enthusiastic weekend painter

Sketchbook Task • Create a postcard that represents Canada. • You can only use one image and one colour. • You may have a “Tag Line” • Goal: Trying to get people to want to come and live in Canada

THE GROUP OF SEVEN