Artist Research: Tom Thomson

Tom Thomson, The Jack Pine, 1916- 1917, Oil on Canvas

The Group of Seven was a group of 20th century Canadian artists who believed Canada should develop a unique approach to art. Their vision was to define Canada as different from anywhere else and their paintings helped Canada discover its identity. Tom Thomson (1877- 1917) was a Canadian painter who was not part of The Group but he was frequently inspired, drew inspiration from and painted with The Group.

The European style of painting was inappropriate for the Canadian landscape and like The Group, Thomson and his paintings were totally Canadian. Thomson's love for Canada was shown in his paintings. "The Jack Pine" (1916-1917) came to represent his country, signifying the atmosphere and colors of Canada. He combines a strong foreground with a painterly background and saw the Canadian landscape in a completely new way.

Thomson died in July 1917, before The Group had a name. After his death he continued to inspire and ground the members of The Group of Seven. Thomson's paintings are unique and always will be.

Joseph D. Tarantelli, Mendon Ponds 1, 2011, Oil on Canvas 36" x 40"

In my landscape "Mendon Ponds 1" I draw inspiration from Thomson's "The Jack Pine." My goal to paint the winter landscape has shown me how Canadian painters saw the winter landscape nearly 100 years ago. By using long, expressive brushstrokes I'm able to paint an unconditional truth in nature.