Homer Watson, often called the “Canadian Constable,” earned this distinguished comparison to the great English landscape painter John Constable not only for his mastery of light and atmosphere, but also because his work resonated across the Atlantic. His international acclaim was confirmed in 1881 when The Last of the Drouth was acquired by Queen Victoria and remains in the Royal Collection Trust at Windsor Castle, a rare and extraordinary honour for a Canadian artist, underscoring his place in the broader tradition of Western landscape painting. Born in Doon, Ontario, Watson trained briefly at the Ontario School of Art before developing a uniquely Canadian vision shaped by the Barbizon school and European landscape traditions. His election to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and his role as a founding member of the Canadian Art Club further cemented his reputation as one of Canada’s foremost painters.

Sunset Grove, painted around 1920, showcases Watson’s gift for atmosphere and light. A quiet stand of trees is bathed in the glow of a warm, golden evening sky, suffusing the forest with serenity. There are no signs of human presence, allowing the scene to convey the spiritual stillness and quiet majesty of untouched woodland.

Today, Sunset Grove continues Watson’s legacy, linking the Romantic traditions of English landscape painting with a distinctly Canadian vision. The combination of his technical skill, poetic engagement with nature, and international recognition places Watson firmly among the most significant figures in Canadian historical art.

Sunset Grove, c 1920, is an oil on canvas measuring 18 x 24 in and is signed at the bottom right.