Frank Panabaker was a celebrated Canadian landscape painter known for his dedication to capturing the changing seasons across southern Ontario, commonly en plein air. Educated at the Ontario College of Art and the Grand Central School of Art in New York, Panabaker developed a realist yet painterly style that resonated with collectors and institutions alike.

In Backroad by the Bare Woods, painted circa 1950, we see a rural road winding through a snow-covered forest. Executed in oil on board and measuring 16 x 20 inches, the composition features a contrast between the cool tones of snow and the warmth of the landscape and leafless trees. On the right, a partially frozen creek reflects the bare branches above, its dark surface adding depth. The palette shifts from pale blues and whites to rich browns, greens, and oranges, reflecting Panabaker’s sensitivity to winter light.

Signed at the lower right, this work exemplifies Panabaker’s ability to blend realism with expressive painterly technique.