Frank Johnston Paintings

Frank Johnston was a Canadian artist born on June 19, 1888, in Toronto, Ontario. He was a member of the Group of Seven, a collective of painters who sought to develop a distinct Canadian art through direct contact with nature. The Group of Seven, founded in 1920, was instrumental in shaping the landscape painting tradition in Canada and is often credited with contributing to the national identity through their depictions of the Canadian wilderness.

Johnston's early life was marked by a passion for art which led him to study at the Central Ontario School of Art and Design (now the Ontario College of Art & Design University). He later continued his education at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His artistic career began as a commercial artist, but he quickly shifted his focus to painting. Johnston's style was characterized by his use of bright colors and the application of paint in a decorative manner, often using a palette knife to create a distinctive texture.

Johnston's work with the Group of Seven was relatively short-lived. He exhibited with them in their first show in 1920 but left the group shortly thereafter to pursue his own artistic endeavors. Despite leaving the group, he continued to paint landscapes that were influenced by his time with the Group of Seven. He enjoyed exploring the wilderness of Ontario, particularly the areas around Lake Superior and Algoma.

After his departure from the Group of Seven, Johnston changed his name to Franz Johnston, perhaps to distinguish himself from the other Franks in the group (Frank Carmichael and A.Y. Jackson) or to suggest a more European aesthetic. He became the principal of the Winnipeg School of Art in 1921 and later taught at the Ontario College of Art.

Johnston's work evolved over his career, but he remained best known for his vibrant landscape paintings. He captured the spirit of the Canadian North, often depicting scenes with a sense of enchantment and fantasy. His contribution to Canadian art was significant in that he helped to break away from the traditional European styles that had dominated Canadian painting and participated in establishing a unique visual language for Canada.

Frank Johnston passed away on July 19, 1949, in Toronto. His legacy continues through his contributions to the Group of Seven and the influence he had on Canadian landscape painting. His works are held in various collections across Canada, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and many other public and private collections.