Francis Hans (Franz) Johnston
Canadian CSPWC, G7, OSA, RCA [1888-1949]
VEILS OF SPRING
oil on hardboard
20 x 24 in. (50.8 x 61 cm)
signed lower left

Provenance: Canadian Fine Arts, Toronto ON (label verso)

Note: Francis Johnston, one of the founding members of the Group of Seven, was a major contributor during his first and only exhibition with the Group, in 1920. In that show, Johnston exhibited and sold more works than any other Group member. Later that same year, the artist held a solo exhibition at The Fine Art Galleries (T. Eaton Co. Ltd.), the first of many. He soon moved to Winnipeg to accept the position of Principal at the Winnipeg School of Art. Upon his return to Toronto, to teach at the Ontario College of Art, in 1927, he formally and amicably ended his association with the Group of Seven. Johnston preferred independence, choosing to follow his own path and ideology. The artist maintained an interest in teaching, founding his own art school in Georgian Bay, which operated during the summers from 1930-1940. Franz Johnston was a versatile artist, influential educator, and active exhibitor during his career, achieving considerable commercial success during his lifetime.