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FRANZ JOHNSTON - Represented by Gallery 260
( Canada, 1888 - 1949 )
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Artist: FRANZ JOHNSTON ( Canada, 1888 - 1949 ) -
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Main Category: Painting
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Biography: (1888 – 1949)
ALC RSA CGP G7 OSA RCA
Biography:
Frank Johnston was born in Toronto in 1888. In 1908, he began working as commercial artist for Grip Limited. It was during this time that Johnston established friendships with future Group of Seven painters, including J.E.H. MacDonald, Tom Thomson and Lawren Harris.
In the 1920s, Johnston became a professor at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) before taking on the role of principal at the Winnipeg School of Art. It was because of these jobs that Johnston lived a fairly financially stage life, a rarity when compared to his artistic contemporaries of the time.
During his free time, Johnston travelled across Canada, using the nature as inspiration for his paintings and sketches. He soon began taking part in many of the Group of Seven’s trips to Algoma. However, he exhibited only once with the group, before decided to pursue independent artistic endeavours. Despite his limited run as a member of the Group of Seven, critics argue that he is one of the most ambitious and profilic painters on the famed artistic roster.
After his departure, his style changed remarkably, partially due to his associations with department store galleries. While his work became more restricted, it also became more realistic. His newfound interested with realism allowed him to explore the intricacies of light, a strategy for which he has become well-known.
After changing his name in 1927, he died Franz Johnston in 1949.
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