Sarah Margaret A. Robertson Paintings

Sarah Margaret Armour Robertson was a distinguished Canadian artist, born on December 23, 1891, in Montreal, Quebec. She was part of the Beaver Hall Group, a significant collective of Canadian artists in the early 20th century, and she was closely associated with prominent figures in Canadian art, including Anne Savage and A. Y. Jackson. Robertson's early life was steeped in an environment that nurtured her artistic talents. She studied under William Brymner at the Art Association of Montreal, now known as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts' School of Art. Her education and exposure at this institution played a crucial role in shaping her artistic style and philosophy.

Robertson's artistry was predominantly in the realm of painting, where she excelled in both oils and watercolors. Her work was characterized by vibrant colors, a sense of light and shadow, and a focus on landscapes, still lifes, and occasionally portraits. She possessed a remarkable ability to capture the essence of the Canadian landscape, which became a central theme in her work. Her paintings often reflected her love for the Quebec countryside, and she was known to have traveled extensively within the province to draw inspiration from its diverse landscapes.

In addition to her involvement with the Beaver Hall Group, Robertson also participated in the founding of the Canadian Group of Painters in 1933, an organization that emerged after the dissolution of the Group of Seven, aiming to promote Canadian art and artists nationally and internationally. Her contributions to Canadian art were not limited to her participation in these groups; she was also an active exhibitor, showing her work at the Art Association of Montreal, the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, and other venues throughout her career.

Despite her achievements and the respect she garnered among her peers, Sarah Margaret Armour Robertson remained relatively modest about her accomplishments. She continued to paint and exhibit her work until her health began to decline. Robertson passed away on October 5, 1948, in her native Montreal, leaving behind a legacy that has continued to inspire Canadian artists and art enthusiasts. Her work is part of several public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, ensuring that her contribution to the Canadian art landscape endures.