Ontario Suite
Celebrate the Essence of Canada with the Ontario Suite Art Collection
Ontario Suite is a celebration of Canadian identity through the eyes of its artists. Each piece offers a unique perspective on what it means to be Canadian. Explore themes of nature, culture, urban life, and personal identity. Together, these works create a rich tapestry that reflects the diverse experiences and stories that make up Canada.
Meet the artists in this wonderful collection:
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Norman Brown’s work reflects his deep connection to the natural landscapes of Canada. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Brown captures the serene beauty of Canadian wilderness with a masterful blend of realism and subtle abstraction.
- Zora Buchanon’s pieces are marked by their bold use of color and dynamic compositions. Her work often explores themes of identity and heritage, offering a contemporary take on traditional Canadian motifs.
- Neville Clark’s art is characterized by emotional depth and expressive brushwork. His paintings often depict everyday scenes infused with a sense of nostalgia and introspection, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences.
- John Joy was a pivotal figure in the Canadian art scene. He helped establish the Society of Canadian Artists and actively participated in the Toronto Arts and Letters Club. His impactful contributions are also celebrated within the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour.
- Tom Mathews’ art in this collection is a celebration of urban life in Canada. His vibrant cityscapes and street scenes capture the energy and diversity of Canadian cities, reflecting the country’s dynamic urban culture.
- Carol Ann Shelton’s work is known for its ethereal quality and delicate touch. Her paintings often depict serene, dreamlike landscapes, drawing viewers into a world of tranquility and reflection.
- Murray M. Stewart’s artworks are a testament to his skill in capturing the human spirit. His portraits are rich with character and emotion, offering a glimpse into the lives and stories of his subjects.
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NORMAN BROWN
Hailing from the vibrant city of Toronto in 1958, Norman R. Brown sprouted roots deeply tied to the world of art. From his early years, brushes and colors were his playmates, and the canvas became his sandbox — a self-taught maestro crafting his own pathway through the wonders of the untamed wilderness.
Throughout his journey, Norman has become a beacon of artistic prowess, capturing the essence and spirit of the natural realm. Each stroke on his canvas reflects his extraordinary talent to harness light, to blend hues into a lively dance, and to evoke deep, visceral responses from those who encounter his pieces. With a remarkable sensitivity, he brings forth a symphony of vibrant colors and diverse emotions.
Norman's art is a testament to a lifelong romance with Mother Nature. His passion for the environment, an undying concern and homage, breathes life into his works. A steward of the Earth's splendor, his paintings invite us all to pause, reflect, and revel in her gifts.
ZORA BUCHANON
Rooted deeply within the cultural soil of Canada, Zora Buchanon's masterpieces offer a thoughtful meditation on motifs like the natural world, the changing seasons, the rich indigenous heritage, and the pulsating cadence of Canadian city life. Her art reflects the harmony between humanity and the natural world, a collaboration that acquires newfound relevance in our eco-conscious times.
Buchanon paints both the vibrancy and silence of Canadian existence with loving yet critical brushstrokes. Her portrayal sways beyond mere representation to incite observers to recognize and reflect on Canada's historical intricacies and its ongoing metamorphosis.
Zora Buchanon's exquisite artistry reminds us that every splash of color, every silhouetted landscape carries with it a piece of Canada's heart—a land where nature converses with culture, and art makes an impassioned plea for contemplation.
Her art emerges from an intimate dialogue with her environment, transforming the peace of Canadian vistas into immersive encounters that are tranquil yet invigorating. Color is not merely an aesthetic choice for Buchanon; it is the medium through which she weaves her narratives. Each shade unveils an emotion, a silent story, or a profound insight. With unyielding honesty imbued in every stroke, her artwork invites the viewer to not only gaze upon but to actively partake in a rich, sensory odyssey.
NEVILLE CLARK
Neville Clarke, a visionary artist whose roots trace back to Kingston, Jamaica, embarked on a transformative journey to Canada in the year 1974. An individual marked by his dedication to the craft, Neville's commitment to excellence was evident in his tenure at the prestigious Ontario College of Art and Design. A highlight of his academic pursuit was his participation in OCAD’s esteemed program in Florence, Italy, from 1983 to 1984.
A recipient of much acclaim, Clarke's oeuvre has been the centerpiece of a myriad of solo exhibitions, including the significant "Towards a Meaningful Expression," hosted in tandem by the Art Gallery of Peel, Brampton, and the Thames Art Gallery, Chatham. Another noteworthy exhibit, "Threshold," was spearheaded by the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa, alongside the MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie, and the Frederick Horseman Varley Art Gallery of Markham.
Clarke's ensemble has been an integral part of several group showcases as well, spanning prestigious venues such as the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Art Gallery of Mississauga, A-Space Gallery in Toronto, the Triangle Gallery in Calgary, and rounding out at the Nova Scotia Archives in Halifax.
JOHN JOY (1925 -2012)
John Joy, born in 1925, stood out as one of the rare contemporary artists wholeheartedly committed to plein air painting across the Canadian vista. In an era captivated by photography, Joy put aside the lens, seeking an unfiltered rapport with his surroundings. His watercolors and acrylics breathe with the subtleties of ambient light—a testament to his direct techniques. Cameras fall short of capturing the ethereal delicacy of light playing on sky and snow, a feat Joy mastered with a perception as deep as the landscapes he reflected on canvas.
His vibrant palette speaks volumes of his acute sense of color. It is a kind of authenticity born from firsthand experience with nature's beauty and from hours of its dedicated observation. Joy's approach echoes the practices of his esteemed mentors—the illustrious Doris McCarthy and Carl Schaefer—who both championed the pure experience of art-making in the great outdoors.
Today, Joy's legacy radiates beyond the studio, with his pieces cherished in private collections from Canada to Europe. For art lovers and enthusiasts, John Joy's work is a reminder of the unparalleled connection and insight that direct engagement with our environment provides. His paintings are an invitation to witness the world through unhindered eyes and to appreciate the natural world's fleeting yet profound beauty.
TOM MATHEWS (1925 - 2000)
Tom Mathews, whose formative years unfolded amidst the cultural richness of Montreal where he was born in 1920, found a new home in the heartlands of Peel County during the vibrant mid-20th century. Brampton, Ontario became his canvas of life. His artistic journey took flight between 1936 and 1939, nestling in the nurturing arms of the esteemed Ecole des Beaux Arts and the Museum of Fine Arts right in the city that cradled his creativity – Montreal.
Tom Mathews was known for his rich and vibrant works, that embraced a style that highlighted the rustic beauty of old houses, often with intricate details. His works frequently depicted landscapes during snow, with a keen focus on the play of light and shadow. He explored a whimsical and dreamy approach to orchard scenes, portraying them with a touch of fantasy.
CAROL ANN SHELTON
Carol Ann Shelton is a Canadian artist who was born in 1961. Shelton’s bold use of color is more than a mere visual feast; it is a dance of light and shade that invites viewers to explore their own emotional landscapes. The deliberate tilting of angles in her compositions isn’t just a stylistic choice—it's a perspective shift, nudging observers to look at the world through a prism of wonder.
Her pieces have graced the walls of many prestigious spaces, imbuing them with her signature charm. Shelton's works can be found from the corridors of the London Regional Art Gallery to the celebrated halls of the Art of St. Thomas-Elgin, Shelton’s.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Shelton's oeuvre is her pastoral scenes. Through her mastery of brush and palette, she conjures the serene beauty of rural life, offering an idyllic retreat from the relentless pace of urban existence. Each landscape, laden with emotion, is a tender ode to her enduring love for the countryside.
MURRAY McCHEYNE STEWART (1919 - 2006)
Born into the vibrant Canadian landscape in 1919, Murray McCheyne Stewart was more than just a painter; he was a national treasure whose brushstrokes captured the essence of Canada's beauty. Throughout his distinguished career, his artwork—a vibrant blend of oil and watercolor—narrated a love story with the landscapes that spanned from the rugged Atlantic shores to the serene Pacific coastlines.
With a palette as adventurous as his spirit, Stewart's artistic journey extended beyond Canadian borders, leading him to the charming streets of Europe and the diverse panoramas of the United States. His creations became symbols of admiration, coveted by art enthusiasts and held in high esteem within both private and esteemed corporate galleries, crossing oceans and touching hearts far and wide.
Murray McCheyne Stewart left a legacy not only as a lifelong artisan of the Canadian vista but as a passionate soul who found joy and fulfillment in both his art and his community.
Purchase Ontario Suite
Each original art print was produced on 100 pound acid-free archival cover stock, under the artist's supervision.
From a limited edition, each image is individually signed and numbered by the artist. Each print in this collection measures approximately 14" by 20." Our COA for the collection is included.