Frank Johnston’s Northern Snow is an oil on panel that measures 16 x 20 in, and is signed on the bottom left. Frank Johnston was an original member of the Group of Seven, exhibiting in their inaugural show in 1920 before stepping away to pursue an independent artistic path. Born in Toronto, he trained at the Ontario College of Art and furthered his studies in Philadelphia, England, and France, absorbing European influences that he later fused with a distinctly Canadian vision. Johnston also served as principal of the Winnipeg School of Art (1920–1924) before returning to Toronto to teach at Central Technical School. Though his time with the Group was brief, his wide-ranging solo exhibitions and enduring popularity positioned him among Canada’s most commercially successful early-20th-century artists.

Northern Snow depicts a serene winter landscape, where a soft blanket of snow spreads across the land beneath a muted, overcast sky. A solitary cabin tucked near the treeline suggests quiet habitation, enhancing the scene’s sense of calm and isolation. Johnston’s careful brushwork and measured tonal variations convey the quiet stillness of winter and the enduring character of the northern landscape.

Throughout his career, Johnston was admired for his ability to harmonize light, shadow, and form, creating works that evoke both grandeur and intimacy. At Rookleys, Northern Snow exemplifies this gift, inviting viewers into the quiet majesty of Canada’s winter scenery.