GROUP OF SEVEN: LANDSCAPE PAINTING

The Group of Seven was a group of Canadian Artists between the years 1929-1933.  The group had more than seven artists over its formation, but the founding members included Franklin Carmichael (1890-1945) who was born in Orillia, A.Y. Jackson (1882-1974), Frederick Varley (1881-1969), Lawren Harris (1885-1970), J.E.H. MacDonald (1873-1932), Frank Johnston (1888-1949) and Arthur Lismer (1885-1969).  Other artists associated with the Group of Seven included Tom Thomson (1877-1917), A.J. Casson (1898-1992), Edwin Holgate (1892-1977) LeMoine FitzGerald (1890-1956) and Emily Carr (1871-1945).  Each artist within this group had their own style, but the common thread was that they were artists rooted in traditional Academic art but inspired by European Post-Impressionism and even contemporary Scandanavian landscape painting.  The group was known for painting the Canadian landscape almost always void of its inhabitants.  The Group of Seven helped to solidify Canada’s contribution to the artworld in the twentieth century, and their influence is still seen in many landscape artists today.

PRIMARY (GRADE 3)

After investigating the Group’s innovative approach to landscape, students will try to emulate these techniques in their own landscape compositions, using acrylic paint.    Students will demonstrate an understanding of composition using elements and principles of design – in particular, line, shape, and colour. 

JUNIOR (GRADES 4 – 6)

After examining a number of the Group’s paintings and considering their use of colour, texture, and composition, students will create their own landscape paintings using acrylic on canvas.  Students will use elements of design to communicate ideas, messages, and understandings.  Through this painting students will use a variety of techniques to determine solutions to design challenges.

INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 7 – 8)

After examining the Group’s use of shape, colour, and composition, students will create their own landscape paintings using acrylic on canvas, emulating and elaborating on the techniques and themes discussed.  Students will develop an understanding of all elements and principles of design – with the addition of unity and harmony,as well as learn an understanding of visual arts and their influence on the development of personal and cultural identity.

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