“William Brymner steeped himself in the natural world in order to experiment with diverse approaches, sometimes broadening his brushstroke, brightening his palette, simplifying his treatment of perspective, trying out different ways of exploiting natural light and atmospheric effects. Little interested- in contrast to many of his contemporaries- in winter scenes, Brymner took evident pleasure in capturing the luxuriant greens of summer, the yellows and oranges of fall.”
Lydia Bouchard, 2010
William Brymner (December 14, 1855 – June 18, 1925) was a pivotal figure in Canadian art history, known for his contributions as a painter, educator, and influencer of modern art in Canada.
William Brymner; Going Up with the Tide
Born in Greenock, Scotland, Brymner immigrated to Melbourne, Canada East, at a young age, later settling in Ottawa, Canada West. Initially drawn to architecture, Brymner's passion for art led him to enroll at the renowned Académie Julian in Paris in 1878. There, under the guidance of William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Tony Robert-Fleury, Brymner was exposed to the academic tradition and inspired by the landscapes of John Constable.
Travelling extensively throughout Europe, including England, France, Belgium, Scotland, and Italy, Brymner honed his artistic perspective, ultimately returning to Montreal in 1886. His journey included a trip to the Rocky Mountains on the Canadian Pacific Railway, where he secured a commission to capture the landscapes.
William Brymner; Mountain Village
However, it was Brymner's role as an educator that solidified his legacy in Canadian art. Spending 35 years (1886-1921) teaching at the Art Association of Montreal, Brymner mentored a generation of artists, including A.Y. Jackson and Clarence Gagnon, who would later become influential figures in Canadian art.
Brymner's artistic versatility was evident in his work, spanning various mediums such as oil, watercolours, silk, and murals. His oeuvre encompassed a wide range of subjects, from figure scenes to landscapes, with a notable focus on rural Quebec.
William Brymner; Backstroke
Recognized for his achievements, Brymner received numerous accolades, including being made an associate of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1883 and being elected vice-president in 1907 and president in 1909. In 1916, he was honored as a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
William Brymner's enduring impact on Canadian art continues to be celebrated today. His dedication to teaching and his artistic legacy enriched the nation's cultural heritage, inspiring generations of artists and shaping the trajectory of Canadian painting.
Alicia Boutilier & Paul Marechal, William Brymner: Artist, Teacher, Colleague (Kingston, ON: Agnes Etherington Art Centre, 2010).
Anthony R. Westbridge, The Collector's Dictionary of Canadian Artists at Auction- Volume One: A-F (Vancouver, B.C.: Westbridge Publications Ltd., 1999).