Near Hamilton Golf Club, 1909 by John William Beatty (1869–1941) brings to life the tranquil atmosphere of this rural Hamilton setting, transporting viewers to a peaceful corner of the countryside, where open fields stretch into the distance to meet an autumn forest rich with plums and purples, greens, and reds. The deer in the forefront stops to refresh with a drink from the stream under the coolness of the tree shadows from the heat of summer’s overhead sun. The scene offers a quiet glimpse into the natural harmony of rural Ontario.

John William Beatty was born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1869. He studied at the Central Ontario School of Art and Design before travelling to Europe, where he attended the Académie Julian in Paris and the London Chelsea Polytechnic in England. His early training provided a foundation in both Canadian and European techniques, shaping his distinctive approach to landscape painting.

Beatty taught at the Ontario College of Art, where he guided a generation of Canadian artists. His students included notable figures such as A.J. Casson, Franklin Arbuckle, Frederick Loveroff, Doris McCarthy, Peter Clapham Sheppard, George Kulmala, Adrian Dingle, Illingworth Kerr, and George Paginton. Through his teaching and mentorship, Beatty played a central role in shaping Canadian art in the early 20th century, influencing both his students’ work and the broader development of Canadian landscape painting. By fostering technical skill, an appreciation for the Canadian landscape, and a connection to both European and Canadian artistic traditions, he helped cultivate a generation of artists who contributed significantly to the country’s visual culture. This oil on board measures 9.25 x 6.25 in and is signed and dated on the bottom left.