Arthur Lismer was a prominent English-Canadian painter, and a member of the Group of Seven. He is known for his paintings of ships in dazzle camouflage, which were inspired by his time as an official war artist during World War I. Born on June 27, 1885, in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, Lismer would go on to become one of the most influential artists of his time.
Early Life and Education
At the age of 13, Lismer began his apprenticeship at a
photo-engraving company. He was later awarded a scholarship, which enabled him to take evening classes at the
Sheffield School of Art from 1898 until 1905. In 1905, he moved to Antwerp, Belgium, where he studied art at the
Academie Royale. This early education would lay the foundation for his future success as an artist.
Career and Achievements
Lismer immigrated to Canada in 1911 and settled in Toronto, Ontario. He took a job with
Grip Ltd., where he met Tom Thomson, another prominent Canadian artist. In 1916, Lismer became the principal of the
Victoria School of Art and Design (now
NSCAD University). During his time as principal, he increased the student body from 12 to 150 pupils and created new programs, including Saturday morning art classes.
As an official war artist, Lismer was inspired by the shipping and naval activity of the port in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His work came to the attention of Lord Beaverbrook, who arranged for him to be commissioned as an official war artist. Lismer's best-known works from this period include
Convoy in Bedford Basin, which depicts merchant ships forming a transatlantic convoy near Halifax.
Lismer returned to Toronto in 1919 and was appointed vice-principal of the
Ontario College of Art. He collaborated with other artists, including those who would become part of the
Group of Seven, to create a distinctive national voice in painting. His style was influenced by his pre-Canadian experience, particularly the
Barbizon and Post-Impressionist movements.
- Some of Lismer's notable works can be found on WahooArt.com, including paintings by other prominent Canadian artists.
- Lismer's biography and artworks can also be found on Wikipedia, which provides a comprehensive overview of his life and career.
- For more information on the Group of Seven, visit the WahooArt.com website, which features a range of artworks and biographies of prominent Canadian artists.
Key aspects of Lismer's career include his time as an official war artist, his contributions to the
Group of Seven, and his influence on the development of a distinctive national voice in painting. As a renowned artist, Lismer's legacy continues to be celebrated through his artworks and the impact he had on the Canadian art world.