Thoreau MacDonald, Exhibition Of The Work Of Tom Thomson And J.E.H. Macdonald, Feb.1-18, 1939

EXHIBITION OF THE WORK OF TOM THOMSON AND J.E.H. MACDONALD
FEBRUARY 1st TO 18th, 1939
MELLORS GALLERIES
759 YONGE STREET, TORONTO

The work, and in many ways the characters, of Thomson and MacDonald are more closely related than those of other painters of their time. Their ideas were similar, they worked together, and each helped and influenced the other in painting.

MacDonald’s friendship and advice did much to release Thomson’s genius and bring about his rapid and wonderful development which resulted in the rich, strong and original work of his last years. MacDonald in turn was inspired by his friend, and Thomson’s influence can often be traced in sketches made at that time.

Both were ardent nationalists and without complex artistic theories they tried to represent their country as simply and effectively as they could. In those days Canadian art was much simpler than now. It was a time of plain living and idealistic thinking. There were few of the present-day affectations and lifeless abstractions, nor was painting associated with tea and cocktail parties as it is now. It was man’s work, fresh and natural as March sunshine at 20 below.

Both Thomson and MacDonald were cut off in the midst of their work and it is sad to think what we lost by their untimely deaths. They were two landmarks in the art history of their country.

T.M.

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Most of these pictures are for sale.
For particulars apply to the Directors.