Lawrence Nickle (February 28, 1931-January 3, 2014): Celebrated Canadian Painter
Early Life and Education: Lawrence Nickle was born in 1931 in Toronto, Ontario, the eldest of three children. Raised in Toronto, he attended William Burgess Public School and East York Collegiate for his secondary education. Pursuing his passion for art, Lawrence enrolled in the Ontario College of Art (now Ontario College of Art and Design University) at the age of eighteen. Under the guidance of notable instructors like Frederic Chalner and John Alfsen, and with the support of George Pepper, then head of the drawing and painting department, Nickle developed a robust foundation in various artistic techniques. He was granted the unique opportunity to design his own curriculum, a testament to his early promise and dedication.
Lawrence Nickle; Bridgette Lake, Algoma
Artistic Career and Travels: Lawrence Nickle's career is distinguished by his extensive travels and deep connection to the landscapes he painted. His journeys took him from Kenora Dryden to the Porcupine District, from the rugged terrains of the Temagami Forest to the serene shores of Lake Superior at Michipicoten Township, and across the Atlantic to London and Worcestershire in England. These experiences enriched his palette and broadened his thematic range, focusing predominantly on rural and wilderness landscapes. Notable for his plein air technique, Nickle captured the spirit of Ontario’s landscapes, from Lake Huron to the Magnetawan River.
Teaching and Influence: Aside from his painting, Lawrence was a dedicated educator, teaching art in various capacities throughout Ontario, including Kenora, Dryden, and Huntsville. He offered private lessons, night classes, and workshops, influencing a generation of artists with his commitment to capturing the Canadian wilderness.
Lawrence Nickle; Detail, Crozier Swamp, Algoma
Exhibitions and Legacy: Lawrence Nickle’s works were showcased in numerous solo exhibitions, such as the annual shows at Branksome Hall in Toronto, which continued for over two decades, and internationally at the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua in 2000. His exhibition "Romantic North" at the W.K.P. Kennedy Gallery in 2003 was critically acclaimed. Even after his passing on January 3rd, 2014, in Burk's Falls, where he had moved in 1977, Nickle’s art continues to be celebrated for its vivid portrayal of nature and its influence on Canadian art.
Personal Life: Lawrence married Olga Edith Paul in 1953 and later Roberta Winifred Haviland in 1975, with a son from each marriage. His personal experiences and connections to the places he lived and painted were profound, enriching his work and giving it a deeply personal touch.
Conclusion: Lawrence Nickle's contributions to Canadian art are indelible. Known for his spirited and honest depictions of the northern landscape, his work invites viewers to see the rugged beauty of Canada through his eyes. His dedication to his craft and his role as an educator have left a lasting legacy in the Canadian art scene, making him a revered figure among artists and collectors alike.