Untitled
36.83 cms x 41.28 cms (14.5 ins x 16.25 ins)
Lower right
Lot offered for sale by Jones, Saint John at the auction event "2025 Winter/Spring" held on Sun, Mar 30, 2025.
Lot 178
Lot 178
Estimate: CAD $3,000 - $5,000
Realised: CAD $3,600
Realised: CAD $3,600
Lot description - from the online catalogue*
Provenance:
The Morris Gallery, Toronto, Ontario; Heffel; Private Collection, Nova Scotia
Notes:
Forest Interior
This painting by John William (J.W.) Beatty exemplifies his impressionistic approach to the Canadian landscape, balancing structural solidity with a painterly, atmospheric sensibility. The composition is framed by two gnarled trees in the foreground, creating a natural archway that directs the viewer’s gaze toward the muted, reflective waters and the golden tones of the distant shoreline. This framing device, reminiscent of Beatty’s frequent use of enclosed, intimate spaces within the wilderness, lends a sense of depth and quiet contemplation.
His brushwork is expressive and dynamic, with thick, gestural strokes defining the rough bark of the trees and softer, blended strokes rendering the reflection in the water. The earthy palette, consisting of rich browns, ochres, and deep greens, is punctuated by warm oranges and yellows, suggesting late afternoon light filtering through the foliage. This interplay of light and shadow, a hallmark of Beatty’s plein air technique, captures the fleeting effects of nature with a sense of immediacy and movement.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
John William Beatty was a pivotal figure in early 20th-century Canadian art, recognized for his landscapes and contributions to art education. Born in Toronto in 1869, he initially worked as a firefighter before pursuing formal training in Europe, studying at the Académie Julian in Paris and institutions in London and the Low Countries. Upon returning to Canada, he became a key proponent of nationalistic landscape painting and an influential educator at the Ontario College of Art.
A contemporary of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, Beatty was among the first artists to explore northern Ontario’s rugged terrain. Although invited to join the Group, personality differences precluded his inclusion. His artistic evolution shifted from somber, European-influenced palettes to a more vibrant and expressive approach, reflecting a growing national identity in Canadian art. In 1917, he was appointed an Official War Artist, documenting Canada’s role in World War I.
Beatty was a Royal Canadian Academy of Arts member and received the Order of the British Empire (1933) for his contributions to Canadian culture. His works are housed in the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Canadian War Museum.
The Morris Gallery, Toronto, Ontario; Heffel; Private Collection, Nova Scotia
Notes:
Forest Interior
This painting by John William (J.W.) Beatty exemplifies his impressionistic approach to the Canadian landscape, balancing structural solidity with a painterly, atmospheric sensibility. The composition is framed by two gnarled trees in the foreground, creating a natural archway that directs the viewer’s gaze toward the muted, reflective waters and the golden tones of the distant shoreline. This framing device, reminiscent of Beatty’s frequent use of enclosed, intimate spaces within the wilderness, lends a sense of depth and quiet contemplation.
His brushwork is expressive and dynamic, with thick, gestural strokes defining the rough bark of the trees and softer, blended strokes rendering the reflection in the water. The earthy palette, consisting of rich browns, ochres, and deep greens, is punctuated by warm oranges and yellows, suggesting late afternoon light filtering through the foliage. This interplay of light and shadow, a hallmark of Beatty’s plein air technique, captures the fleeting effects of nature with a sense of immediacy and movement.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
John William Beatty was a pivotal figure in early 20th-century Canadian art, recognized for his landscapes and contributions to art education. Born in Toronto in 1869, he initially worked as a firefighter before pursuing formal training in Europe, studying at the Académie Julian in Paris and institutions in London and the Low Countries. Upon returning to Canada, he became a key proponent of nationalistic landscape painting and an influential educator at the Ontario College of Art.
A contemporary of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, Beatty was among the first artists to explore northern Ontario’s rugged terrain. Although invited to join the Group, personality differences precluded his inclusion. His artistic evolution shifted from somber, European-influenced palettes to a more vibrant and expressive approach, reflecting a growing national identity in Canadian art. In 1917, he was appointed an Official War Artist, documenting Canada’s role in World War I.
Beatty was a Royal Canadian Academy of Arts member and received the Order of the British Empire (1933) for his contributions to Canadian culture. His works are housed in the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Canadian War Museum.
Most realised prices include the Buyer's Premium of 18-25%, but not the HST/GST Tax.
(*) Text and/or Image might be subject matter of Copyright. Check with Jones auction house for permission to use.
(*) Text and/or Image might be subject matter of Copyright. Check with Jones auction house for permission to use.