Lot 167: Franklin Carmichael 1890 - 1945 Canadian

Franklin Carmichael 1890 - 1945 Canadian watercolour on paper In Whitefish Hills 11 x 13 inches 27.9 x 33 centimeters signed and on verso titled on the G. Blair Laing gallery label Provenance:G. Blair Laing Limited, Toronto Acquired from the above by the present Private Collector, Toronto, 1969 Franklin Carmichael's mastery of the medium of watercolour is evident in this bold and expressive image of the Whitefish Hills of Ontario. In 1925, together with A.J. Casson and Fred Brigden, Carmichael formed the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour, an organization that would give a new-found respect to a medium that often took a back seat to oil. Carmichael and Casson's work in this medium during their years as members of the Group of Seven is sparkling and bold. Carmichael in particular found the fluidity of the watercolour medium to be ripe with expressive possibilities. He used it heavily saturated, on both wet and dry paper. Part of the appeal of Carmichael's watercolours is tha the drawing is often such a strong part of the work. Here, it is not just showing through the watercolour pigment, but working as part of the final composition, wherein rough marks and energetic lines contrast with the fluid smoothness of the watercolour painting. Carmichael also controlled the negative spaces in his watercolours with ease, and in this work, paper, watercolour and drawing work together to give us a fresh and immediate view of the landscape. The consignor will donate the proceeds from the sale of this work to Canadian charities.