"My paintings don't simply represent what I see; they present viewers with what I want them to see."
Ken Danby (March 6, 1940 – September 23, 2007), a distinguished Canadian artist, is celebrated for his highly realistic paintings that beautifully capture the essence of everyday life.
Danby was born and grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Showing an early interest in art, he began drawing and painting in high school. He enrolled at the Ontario College of Art in 1958 but became disenfranchised with institutional education and left two years later.
During the early stages of his career, Danby explored abstract impressionism, showcasing his versatility and talent. This experimentation culminated in him winning the prestigious Best of Exhibition award at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition in 1961.
Danby later gravitated towards realism, refining his skills, particularly in the medium of watercolours. His first solo exhibition in 1964 was a resounding success, with every piece finding an appreciative audience. In 1965, he established his home and studio in Guelph, Ontario, on the site of an old mill, which became a source of inspiration for many of his works.
In 1975, Danby achieved another significant milestone when he was elected as a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, a testament to his growing influence in the Canadian art scene. Beyond his canvas, Ken Danby's creativity extended to the design world. He had the distinct honour of creating four coins for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, contributing to the artistic legacy of this global event.
Ken Danby; Bushels
He also received the Jessie Dow Prize, the 125th Anniversary Commemorative Medal of Canada, the City of Sault Ste. Marie's Award of Merit, and both the Queen's Silver and Golden Jubilee Medals. In 2001, he was vested in both the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada. In 1997, Danby received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario.
Internationally recognized as one of the world's foremost realist artists, Danby's work resonated with art enthusiasts worldwide. His sport paintings, such as "At The Crease," which portrays a hockey goalie fiercely defending his net, remain iconic examples of his mastery. In the 1980s, he painted a number of watercolours about the America's Cup and portrayed Canadian athletes at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
Danby served on the governing board of the Canada Council and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Gallery of Canada. He was also involved with the Art Gallery of Hamilton, which organized a retrospective of Danby's work entitled "Beyond the Crease" in 2016.
Tragically, Ken Danby's life was cut short on 23 September 2007 during a canoe trip in Algonquin Park, a place of natural beauty and inspiration. In a poignant historical connection, he became the second Canadian artist to pass away in Algonquin Park, with the legendary Tom Thomson being the first.
Danby was married twice and had three sons from his first marriage. His second wife, Gillian Rumble, was with him until his death. One of his sons, Noah Danby, is an actor.
Ken Danby's enduring legacy in the world of art and his remarkable contributions to Canadian culture continue to be celebrated and cherished. His realistic portrayals of everyday life serve as timeless reminders of the beauty in the ordinary. His work is represented in collections worldwide, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York and the National Gallery of Canada.