James Williamson Galloway Jock Macdonald Paintings

Jock Macdonald was a Scottish-born Canadian painter renowned for his role in developing abstract art in Canada during the 20th century. Born on May 31, 1897, in Thurso, Scotland, Macdonald began his career as a teacher before discovering his passion for art. He initially trained at the Edinburgh College of Art and served in World War I before moving to Vancouver, Canada, in 1927.

In Canada, he continued his work in education but also immersed himself in the local art scene. Macdonald co-founded the British Columbia College of Arts with Frederick Varley and Harry McCurry. During this period, he was heavily influenced by the Group of Seven, particularly Lawren Harris, whose approach to landscape painting and spirituality in art left a lasting impact on him.

Macdonald's early work reflected a representational style, but his encounter with Surrealism and Eastern philosophy in the 1930s sparked a shift towards abstraction. He began experimenting with automatic drawing and biomorphic forms, leading to more abstract and expressionistic works. In 1947, he became a founding member of the Painters Eleven, a group of abstract artists in Toronto who were determined to promote abstract art in Canada.

Throughout his career, Macdonald continued to evolve his style, incorporating elements of Abstract Expressionism and Colour Field painting. His late works are characterized by their vibrant color, dynamic forms, and the sense of spirituality that permeates his compositions.

Jock Macdonald's contribution to Canadian art was significant, both as an educator and as an artist. He taught at several institutions, including the Vancouver School of Decorative and Applied Arts and the Ontario College of Art. His innovative approach to painting and his dedication to exploring new artistic expressions helped pave the way for future generations of Canadian artists.

Jock Macdonald passed away on December 3, 1960, in Toronto, Ontario. His legacy lives on through his influential artworks and the many students he taught throughout his career. Macdonald's works are held in numerous public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada and the Art Gallery of Ontario.