Canadian Artists Abroad

Canadian artists taking inspiration as they travel the world.

Canadian art has been shaped by generations of artists finding inspiration and perspective in their life experiences. For many artists, travelling to new places is an exciting avenue to find new perspectives and discover something that sparks their imagination.

This exhibition features a variety of Canadian artists who travelled abroad to develop their artistic skills or find inspiration. Their travels often shaped their art, introducing new ideas and styles to Canadian audiences.

Notre Dame de Paris from the Pont de la Tournelle, Marc-Aurèle Fortin, 1935, From the collection of: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
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Daytona Beach (unknown) by Aleen AkedThe Robert McLaughlin Gallery

Daytona Beach

Aleen Aked often vacationed in Sarasota, Florida during the winter months and frequently exhibited with the Sarasota Art Association.

Advocate Close, Edinburgh, Frederick Arthur Verner, 1889, From the collection of: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
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Landscape Near Canterbury, Kent, England, Thomas Mower Martin, 1907, From the collection of: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
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Jets Over Arizona (1956) by Isabel McLaughlinThe Robert McLaughlin Gallery

Jets Over Arizona (1956)

Oshawa-born artist, Isabel McLaughlin, was a founding member of the Canadian Group of Painters and travelled broadly during her life. She often went on painting trips with friends, visiting places that ranged from the Great Lakes to Arizona.

The Dancing Grounds, Jeff Thomas, 2016, From the collection of: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
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The Stream, Giverny (1887) by William Blair BruceThe Robert McLaughlin Gallery

Canadian artists look for inspiration while on vacation or by studying art abroad to develop their skills and abilities. 

The Rainbow (1888) by William Blair BruceThe Robert McLaughlin Gallery

The Rainbow (1888)

William Blair Bruce spent much of his life studying art in France, moving there officially in 1881. In 1886, after a brief return to Canada, he settled in Giverny alongside several artists, including Claude Monet. This location would inspire many of Bruce's famous artworks.

Tourrettes (east side), a.m., France, Jock Macdonald, 1955, From the collection of: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
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County Tipperary, Ireland (1985) by Robert BourdeauThe Robert McLaughlin Gallery

Some artists have the opportunity to live and work abroad to expand their practice and gain exposure through exhibitions or connections in these new places. 

The Market Cart, Brittany, Helen McNicoll, 1910, From the collection of: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
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Palenque, Chiapas (Maya) Mexico (1986) by Robert BourdeauThe Robert McLaughlin Gallery

Palenque, Chiapas (Maya) Mexico (1986)

A self-taught photographer, Robert Bourdeau, extensively travelled from Ireland to Mexico to Sri Lanka to find sources of inspiration.

Reading Barcelona - Qtub (2008) by Gary GreenwoodThe Robert McLaughlin Gallery

Reading Barcelona - Qtub (2008)

Gary Greenwood combined two images taken on different continents to explore sight and representation. On the right, people watch a TV showing a view of Delhi, India. On the left, two men touch raised letters on a wall with their hands in Barcelona, Spain.

English Seascape, John Arthur Fraser, 1889, From the collection of: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
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Whirlpool Rapids Illuminated - New York Side (1916) by Frederic Waistell JoplingThe Robert McLaughlin Gallery

Whirlpool Rapids Illuminated - New York Side (1916)

Born in England, Frederic Waistell Jopling moved to Canada as a child and later travelled to New York, finding work as a newspaper illustrator.

Marketplace, Helen McNicoll, 1910, From the collection of: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
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Credits: Story

Curatorial Text/Editor
Michaela Dickens

With Support From
Sonya Jones

French Translation by
Jay Gonzalez Tinoco and Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku  


This project has been made possible by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet a été rendu possible grâce au gouvernement du Canada.

All content in this exhibition is copyright of Robert McLaughlin Gallery. 

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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