Good enough is not good enough.
Franklin Carmichael: The Young Visionary of the Group of Seven
Franklin Carmichael (May 4, 1890 – October 24, 1945) was a renowned Canadian artist, designer, and illustrator, celebrated as a founding member of the Group of Seven, a collective that revolutionised Canadian art by capturing the rugged beauty of the nation’s landscapes. Born in Orillia, Ontario, Carmichael displayed artistic talent early, studying at the Ontario College of Art and later at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Antwerp, Belgium.
Frank Carmichael; The Frozen Silence
Carmichael worked at Toronto’s Grip Ltd., where he connected with future Group of Seven artists like Tom Thomson, Arthur Lismer, and J.E.H. MacDonald. In 1920, he joined the Group of Seven, becoming its youngest original member. While his early works were in oil, Carmichael’s mastery of watercolours established him as a pioneer in the medium, co-founding the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour in 1925. His vibrant, geometric depictions of Ontario’s La Cloche Mountains, Lake Superior, and Georgian Bay remain iconic.
Frank Carmichael; Lone Lake
Deeply influenced by spiritual and theosophical ideals, Carmichael’s art sought to convey the profound connection between nature and the human spirit. His works often juxtaposed untouched landscapes with emerging industrial themes, such as in The Nickel Belt, highlighting environmental tensions in the 1930s.
Frank Carmichael; Silver Mine
Transitioning from commercial art, Carmichael became Head of Graphic and Commercial Art at the Ontario College of Art in 1932, where he taught until his untimely death in 1945. His legacy endures in prestigious collections, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, National Gallery of Canada, and McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Frank Carmichael; Bisset Farm
Carmichael’s profound contributions to Canadian art, particularly his watercolours, continue to inspire, cementing his role as a visionary in portraying the spiritual essence of Canada’s landscapes.