LOT 116

ARCA CSPWC G7 OSA
1888 - 1949
Canadian

Summer Clouds - Lake of the Woods
oil on board
signed and dated 1922 and on verso titled Summer Clouds, Lake of the Woos [sic] and inscribed "Six miles from…Ont. Painted on warm July afternoon by Franz Johnston ARCA" / "Castles" / "$80.00" / "458A"
10 3/8 x 13 in, 26.4 x 33 cm

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD

Sold for: $37,250

Preview at:

PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Ontario


In 1921, Frank Johnston left Toronto to take a position as principal of the Winnipeg School of Art and director of its art gallery. At that time he was still a member of the Group of Seven—he did not formally leave them until 1924. During this pivotal period, Johnston began to evolve away from the Group influence, to a more natural, realistic style. These changes would inform his painting for the rest of his life. While in Winnipeg, the Johnston family rented a cottage every summer on the shores of Lake of the Woods, on the Ontario-Manitoba border. Artist Lemoine FitzGerald was just across the bay, and the two artists showed each other their art and exchanged ideas. It was a beautiful area, and this oil captures Johnston’s sensitive response to it in his exquisite treatment of the billowing cumulus clouds with delicate hues of mauve and cream, and the tranquil lake lapping at the wooded shore. The contrast between the dark-green reflections of the trees appearing to sink into the depths of the lake and the light-filled blues of water and sky is superbly handled. The painting is a shining summer moment suspended in time, emanating peace.


Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD

All prices are in Canadian Dollars


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