Autumn

Today we continue our special month with the stunning collection of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Enjoy!

Franklin Carmichael may be best known for his stunning watercolors, but did you know he was a true artistic jack-of-all-trades? From oil painting and printmaking to book design and commercial art, Carmichael had a hand in everything. Born in 1890 in Orillia, Ontario, he headed to Toronto in 1910 to study at the Ontario College of Art. He soon found himself apprenticing at Grip Ltd., where he rubbed shoulders with Tom Thomson and future Group of Seven members like Arthur Lismer and Fred Varley. In 1920 he became one of the founding members of this legendary group that redefined Canadian art.

But let’s talk about Autumn. Painted in 1940, this piece shows off everything that made Carmichael such a master of light and shadow. His use of oil in this work gives it an incredible depth and richness, capturing the vibrancy of autumn in a way that feels almost alive. Look at how the light filters through the landscape, creating a dynamic contrast between the warm reds and golds of the trees and the cool shadows in the hills. It’s like you can almost feel the crisp autumn air. Autumn is more than just a landscape; it’s a perfect balance of light and dark, calm and movement. Carmichael's ability to bring the brilliance of watercolor into his oil paintings is on full display here, making this piece not only a feast for the eyes but a deeply emotional experience.

In Autumn you see Carmichael’s love for the Canadian landscape and his unmatched ability to translate that into paint. His bold brushstrokes and masterful use of light make you feel like you're standing right there, soaking in the beauty of the season.

P.S. Please check our beautiful 2025 calendars; they are full of such stunning landscapes!

P.P.S. Have you ever heard of the Group of Seven, the iconic group of Canadian artists? Through art, they helped shape Canadian identity.