Farquhar McGillivray Knowles Paintings

Farquhar McGillivray Strachan Stewart Knowles was a distinguished Canadian painter and etcher known primarily for his marine, coastal, and landscape scenes. Born on August 22, 1859, in Syracuse, New York, to Canadian parents, Knowles later moved to Canada, where he would become a prominent figure in the country's art scene.

Knowles studied art in London at the South Kensington School (now the Royal College of Art) and honed his skills in Paris under the tutelage of renowned artists. He was influenced by the French Barbizon school and the Impressionists, which is evident in the loose brushwork and attention to the effects of light on landscapes and water that characterize his work.

After his studies in Europe, Knowles settled in Toronto, Canada, where he became active in the local art community. He was a member of the Ontario Society of Artists and later became its president. He also joined the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, which further established his status as an artist of note within Canada.

His works were exhibited widely during his lifetime, including at the Art Association of Montreal, the Royal Canadian Academy, and the Canadian National Exhibition. Knowles was also known for his etchings and was a founding member of the Canadian Society of Painter-Etchers. His artistic contributions were recognized in Canada, and he was commissioned to create significant works, including a series of murals for the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Farquhar McGillivray Knowles was married to Mary Ella Dignam, an artist and advocate for women artists who founded the Women's Art Association of Canada. Knowles' influence extended through his teaching, where he nurtured the talents of future Canadian artists.

He continued to paint and exhibit his work until his death on April 9, 1932, in Toronto. Today, his works can be found in various Canadian collections, reflecting his lasting legacy in the history of Canadian art.