GROUP OF SEVEN

The Group of Seven was a famous group of Canadian landscape painters who created a bold new style of art inspired by Canada’s natural scenery, and in doing so, they initiated the country’s first national art movement. The Group moved away from traditional European styles and painted the forests, lakes and wilderness of Canada using bright colours and strong brushstrokes. 

Many artists from this esteemed Group were associated with OCAD University during its early years as the Ontario College of Art (OCA, now OCAD University), either serving as administrators or instructors.

Arthur Lismer served as vice-principal while J.E.H. MacDonald served as principal from 1929 until his death in 1932. MacDonald was one of Canada’s leading graphic designers and a popular art teacher who also studied with George A. Reid and William Cruikshank at the Central Ontario School of Art and Design, the OCA’s name in 1890.

Additional Group members who also taught at OCA included Frederick Varley who became an instructor in 1925 along with A.Y Jackson who taught that same year. A.J. Casson served as vice-president in 1946 while Frank (Franz) Johnston and Franklin Carmichael taught in the Graphic Design and Commercial Art Department. All of these illustrious artists deeply influenced generations of OCA students.

Learn more about Franklin Carmichael

Learn more about A.J. Casson

Learn more about A.Y. Jackson

Learn more about Frank (Franz) Johnston

Learn more about Arthur Lismer

Learn more about J.E.H. MacDonald

Learn more about The Group of Seven

Image credit: J.E.H. MacDonald, Near Montreal Lake, Algoma, 1919, oil on cardboard, 21.6 x 26.5 cm, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa.