Lawren Stewart Harris CC LL.D. (23 October 1885 – 29 January 1970) was a Canadian painter, renowned as a visionary leader of the Group of Seven. Celebrated for his powerful, spiritually-infused landscapes of Canada's North, Harris profoundly influenced the trajectory of modern art in Canada.
Early Life and Education
Born into wealth in Brantford, Ontario, Harris had the financial freedom to fully commit to artistic exploration. Educated at St. Andrew's College and the University of Toronto, he further honed his skills in Berlin (1904–1908), studying Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and German modernism. It was also in Berlin that Harris encountered Theosophy, a mystical philosophy integrating Eastern and Western spiritual teachings, significantly shaping his philosophical outlook.
Winter Sunrise by Lawren Harris
Formation of the Group of Seven
Returning to Toronto, Harris joined the Arts and Letters Club in 1909, forming lifelong collaborations with Tom Thomson and artists like J.E.H. MacDonald, A.Y. Jackson, Arthur Lismer, Franklin Carmichael, Frank Johnston, Frederick Varley. In 1920, these painters established the Group of Seven, transforming Canadian art with bold depictions of its wilderness.
Lake Superior by Lawren Harris
Artistic Evolution
Initially focusing on urban landscapes, Harris soon transitioned to the stark, spiritual symbolism for which he became famous. Frequent trips to Algoma (1918–1924), Lake Superior’s North Shore (1921–1928), and the Canadian Rockies (1924–1929) profoundly inspired Harris. His paintings from these journeys feature simplified forms, striking light, and limited colour palettes, capturing the mystical and transcendental essence of nature.
Red House and Yellow Sleigh by Lawren Harris
Shift to Abstract Art
The Arctic expedition aboard SS Beothic in 1930 marked Harris's final foray into landscape painting. He produced over fifty sketches, later evolving into abstract compositions. From 1934 onwards, Harris embraced abstraction fully, exploring geometric and organic forms to visually articulate spiritual and cosmic harmony, deeply rooted in his Theosophical beliefs.
Abstraction 119 by Lawren Harris
Influence and Legacy
Throughout his career, Harris championed modern art movements, influencing generations of Canadian artists. After the Group of Seven dissolved in 1933, Harris became the first president of the Canadian Group of Painters, later contributing significantly to the Transcendental Painting Group in Santa Fe, New Mexico (1938). His commitment continued after relocating to Vancouver in 1940, where he further refined his abstract style.
Greenland Mountains by Lawren Harris
Honours and Recognition
Lawren Harris received numerous honours, including Companion of the Order of Canada, awarded posthumously in 1970. Today, Harris’s art remains highly relevant. His visionary paintings invite viewers to reconnect with nature, contemplate deeper existential questions, and appreciate the mystical dimensions of the Canadian landscape.
Consignment Opportunities
At Rookleys Canadian Art, we are actively seeking works by Lawren Harris for consignment, offering premium commissions far below what auction houses charge . If you have a Harris painting to consign, please contact us at info@rookleys.com to discuss these opportunities further.