George Thomson (1868–1965), born in Claremont, Ontario, was the eldest brother of the renowned painter Tom Thomson. George carved out his own distinguished career as a painter of Canada’s landscapes. While his brother’s short life became legend, George’s steady, decades-long practice produced a body of work rooted in sensitivity and quiet observation.

In Muskoka River, Thomson captures the unspoiled beauty of Ontario’s rugged north, a region that had inspired both brothers with its wild charm and ever-changing light. Initially pursuing a law degree, George shifted his focus to art in 1906, studying at the Art Students League in New York and the Lyme Artists Colony in Connecticut under mentors like Frank V. Dumond, W.L. Lathrop, and H.R. Poore. He later settled in Owen Sound, Ontario, where he became a prominent landscape artist, capturing the essence of Ontario's natural beauty. As a member of the Ontario Society of Artists, his contributions significantly enriched Canada's artistic heritage.

This tranquil riverscape exemplifies George Thomson’s enduring vision: to render the Canadian landscape not as a backdrop, but as a living presence. His ability to evoke tranquility and depth demonstrates why his work continues to resonate, reminding viewers of the timeless pull of nature and the deep connection between artist and place.