Autumn, Haliburton, 1949 by Charles Comfort, 1900 - 1994, is a vivid watercolour that captures the dynamic and fleeting beauty of fall in Haliburton, Ontario. This region has long held a special place in Canadian art history, serving as a source of inspiration for members of the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, who were drawn to its forests, lakes, and rugged landscapes.

 Comfort’s painting continues this tradition, celebrating the natural and untamed character of the Canadian wilderness.

The composition is dominated by a dramatic, stormy sky, with clouds sweeping across the scene and signaling the change of season. A flock of birds migrates overhead, hinting at the rhythms of nature, while a cluster of fiery orange trees bursts against the muted tones of the surrounding forest, drawing the viewer’s eye to the heart of the landscape.

In the foreground, two ruffed grouse take flight from the reeds, introducing a sense of movement and life a

mid the stillness of the wilderness. Comfort’s use of light and shadow gives depth to the scene, while his mastery of watercolour conveys the textures of the trees, the softness of the sky, and the crispness of the autumn air.

This painting is a testament not only to Comfort’s technical skill but also to the enduring spirit of Canadian landscape painting, reflecting the ruggedness and vitality that have long defined depictions of the country’s wilderness.

Signed and dated 1949, watercolour on paper.