Toronto Art Appraisal Group of Seven

A recent estate contents file for one of our local clients included an original oil painting by one of the original members of Canada's iconic Group of Seven, Franz Johnston. This Toronto Art Appraisal Group of Seven original is a lovely and valuable piece and was a pleasure to work on for our client.

"Breath of Spring", by Franz Johnston, 16" x 24"

Toronto Art Appraisal Group of Seven

Franz Johnston, a prominent Canadian artist, is widely recognized for his contributions to the Group of Seven, a collective of Canadian painters who revolutionized Canadian art during the early 20th century. Johnston’s work, much like his fellow Group members, is characterized by its celebration of the Canadian landscape, an exploration of color, and a commitment to conveying the raw beauty and spirit of the wilderness. Over the years, Johnston's legacy has cemented his place as one of the defining figures in Canadian art history.

Early Life and Education

Franz Johnston was born on May 19, 1888, in Toronto, Ontario, into a family with a rich artistic heritage. His early exposure to art came from his family, and by his teenage years, he was already displaying significant talent. In 1907, he enrolled at the Ontario College of Art (OCA), where he began his formal art education. Johnston’s years at the OCA were formative, as he honed his technical skills in drawing and painting, setting the foundation for his future work.

It was during his time at the OCA that Johnston encountered other future members of the Group of Seven, including Tom Thomson, who would become a major influence on his work. Thomson, though not officially a member of the Group of Seven, played an integral role in shaping its ethos, and his emphasis on capturing the Canadian wilderness resonated deeply with Johnston. Their shared interest in depicting the natural world would become a cornerstone of Johnston’s later work.

Association with the Group of Seven

The Group of Seven, founded in 1920, was a collective of artists whose goal was to break away from European artistic traditions and to forge a distinctly Canadian visual identity. The group was formed by painters such as A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris, and Franklin Carmichael, among others, and their mission was to create artwork that reflected the Canadian landscape in a way that had never been done before.

Franz Johnston’s connection to the Group of Seven is rooted in his friendship with these artists and his early participation in their activities. In 1920, Johnston was invited to join the group, solidifying his place in this influential artistic collective. Johnston’s artistic style aligned closely with the vision of the Group of Seven, which emphasized the grandeur of Canada’s wilderness, with bold color palettes, vigorous brushstrokes, and a profound connection to nature. Although Johnston was not as prolific a member as some of his peers, his work was nonetheless a vital part of the group’s evolution.

The Landscape of Johnston’s Work

Johnston’s artwork, like that of his fellow Group of Seven artists, focused predominantly on the Canadian landscape, with particular attention paid to Ontario’s rugged northern wilderness. His love for nature and his ability to capture its essence on canvas is evident in his work. Johnston's paintings often depicted the sweeping views of forests, lakes, and rivers, with vibrant colors that celebrated the raw beauty of the natural world.

Johnston’s early works, especially those influenced by his time with Tom Thomson, were marked by a sense of freshness and spontaneity, with an emphasis on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere. One of his most significant contributions was his focus on using light and color to evoke mood and emotion in his landscapes. This technique, which was central to the Group of Seven’s aesthetic, was an important step away from the more restrained, muted palettes of previous Canadian art.

His work displayed a unique sensitivity to the changing seasons, which often appeared in his portrayals of autumn’s rich colors, the crisp blues of winter, and the vibrant greens of spring. Johnston was particularly drawn to the dramatic skies and the reflections of light on water, qualities that became signature elements in his landscape painting.

Notable Works

Franz Johnston’s portfolio is extensive, but some of his most celebrated works include pieces such as The Red Maple, The Moonlit Bay, and Autumn in Algonquin Park. These paintings are exemplary of his ability to capture the diversity and energy of the Canadian landscape while imbuing it with an emotional depth that resonated with viewers.

The Red Maple, for example, showcases Johnston’s talent for rendering the intensity of the fall season. The brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of the maple tree contrast sharply with the deep blues of the surrounding waters and sky. The composition and color choices draw the viewer’s eye and create a sense of movement and vitality. The work exemplifies Johnston’s capacity to use color not just as a descriptive tool but as a way to convey mood, atmosphere, and the passage of time.

Another notable painting, The Moonlit Bay, demonstrates Johnston’s ability to evoke the serenity of the natural world. In this piece, the shimmering moonlight dances across a calm body of water, and the surrounding landscape is softened by the gentle light of the evening. The cool blues and silvery tones convey a sense of tranquility, and the painting's reflective surface creates an almost ethereal atmosphere.

Autumn in Algonquin Park, which depicts the rich foliage of the park during the fall season, is another of Johnston's standout works. The painting’s fiery reds and golds contrast with the cool greens and blues of the water and sky, creating a harmonious composition that showcases Johnston’s skill at balancing color and form.

Later Years and Influence

Although Johnston remained active as a painter throughout his life, his later years saw a shift in his artistic focus. In addition to his landscape paintings, he began exploring other subjects, including portraits and still lifes, though his work continued to be dominated by his love of nature. Johnston also took on a role as a teacher, passing on his knowledge and skills to younger generations of artists.

Throughout his life, Johnston remained deeply connected to the Group of Seven, and his influence on Canadian art continued to be felt long after his passing. His work contributed to a broader understanding of the Canadian landscape as an essential part of the country’s national identity.

Franz Johnston passed away on January 19, 1949, but his legacy as a painter and a member of the Group of Seven endures. His works are held in major public and private collections across Canada, and his contributions to Canadian art remain highly regarded.

Legacy and Conclusion

Franz Johnston’s work represents a pivotal moment in Canadian art history. As a key member of the Group of Seven, his contribution to the development of Canadian landscape painting helped redefine the country's artistic identity. His ability to capture the majesty and diversity of Canada’s natural beauty, combined with his innovative use of color and light, ensured his place among the great Canadian artists of the 20th century.

Johnston’s legacy is not only found in his paintings but also in the enduring influence of his work on subsequent generations of Canadian artists. His involvement with the Group of Seven cemented his role as a key figure in one of Canada’s most important artistic movements, and his celebration of the Canadian landscape continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world.

Through his art, Franz Johnston immortalized the beauty and spirit of Canada’s wilderness, creating a visual legacy that will continue to be appreciated for generations to come.