Story and photo by Will Geier.
Canada has a long history of iconic and revered landscape painters. From Tom Thomson to Lawren Harris, many artists draw inspiration from the great wilderness of Canada and, although their time has passed, Calgary-based oil painter John F. Ross embodies the spirit of Canada’s historic painters, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Ross has taken on the traditional Canadian settings, but juxtaposes these landscapes with a subjective narrative.
“Generally, the juxtaposition is born of an interest to invoke a narrative in the work and in the viewer, and invite the viewer to see a narrative that is not really obvious, but is there. The viewer can then extrapolate ideas and make their own narratives of what they’re seeing,” details Ross.
The similarities between Ross and the Group of Seven members extend past the artistic style as Ross – like many of the Group of Seven members – draws his inspiration from immersing himself into the Canadian wilderness and landscapes.
Ross got his start while studying at York University and, through experimenting with digital art, caught the attention of the university by doing something new and daring.
Ross then decided to move out West and eventually started in the Memorial Hall studio space – a cozy and unique studio that is rented from the adjoining St. Stephen’s Church. Ross has found that, unlike the more established art scene in cities like Toronto and Montréal, Calgary’s art scene is more welcoming to newcomers. “It’s a lot more open-armed,” adds Ross.
Ross’ work is interpretive and often the narrative is left in pieces for the viewer to assemble.
Often this imagery is of solitary animals and old buildings that create a sense of narrative.
Ross’ most recent pieces – at 5 by 7 feet – are huge, breathtaking oil paintings that leave a lasting impression of colour, style, and narrative. The choice to go large scale was motivated by one of Ross’ favourite artists: historic Canadian landscape painter and Group of Seven Member, Lawren Harris.
While Ross’ paintings may invoke a familiarity to painters like Harris, Ross has his sights set on creating something new within the genre instead of just replicating the style of the past.
Check out John F. Ross on Instagram and his website.