Painting by Tom Thomson of tall pine trees silhouetted against a bright orange, yellow, and green sunset.
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Modern Canadian Landscapes & the Group of Seven

through the art of

Tom Thomson

Grades 512

Modern Canadian Landscapes & the Group of Seven
through the art of Tom Thomson

Tom Thomson (1877–1917) is one of Canada’s most famous artists: his landscape paintings of northern Ontario have become iconic artworks, well-known throughout the country and a critical touchstone for Canadian artists. Thomson was passionate about the outdoors, and he was committed to experimenting with new ways to paint landscape. He had several friends who shared these interests, such as A.Y. Jackson (1882–1974), Lawren Harris (1885–1970), and J.E.H. MacDonald (1873–1932); a few years after his premature death, these friends helped establish the Group of Seven, a collection of artists often credited with transforming Canadian art by creating modern depictions of national landscapes. This guide explores Thomson’s considerable legacy and the early history of the Group of Seven by examining art practice, style, and critical issues.

Learning Activities
  • Painting sketches outdoors
  • Thomson and a new vision for Canadian art
  • Reflect critically on Thomson and the Group of Seven: retell-relate-reflect
Related Subjects
  • Visual Arts
  • Social Studies
  • Canadian and World Studies

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Modern Canadian Landscapes & the Group of Seven through the art of Tom Thomson