Margarethe Vanderpas, Emerald Waters Bruce Peninsula, 36″ x 72″, oil on canvas.

Wilderness on Canvas

 by Len Pizzey

The Artists of Georgian Bay, the latest in a series of books on regional artists, captures the vibrant landscapes and wildlife of Georgian Bay through the works of 41 contemporary painters, offering a rich portrayal of this iconic area.

“Every artist needs an advocate,” Canadian painter, songwriter, and musician Mendelson Joe once told independent publisher Andrea Hillo. It’s a message she has taken to heart over the past decade, as she has applied her graphic art skills and passion for the Canadian wilderness to creating a series of books that showcase Ontario landscape and wildlife artists.

Her most recent book, The Artists of Georgian Bay, published in June, is the fifth and the largest in Hillo’s series. Previous titles include The Artists of Algonquin, The Artists of Muskoka, The Artists of Haliburton Highlands, and The Artists of Kawartha.

Debra Lynn Ireland, W’Otter Slide, 20″ x 15″, watercolour on paper.

The Artists of Georgian Bay features past Escarpment Magazine cover artists Harvey Bodach, Shannon Craig Morphew, and Margarethe Vanderpas, as well as 38 additional contemporary painters who, in the long Canadian tradition of capturing wilderness scenes, strive to convey the essence of Georgian Bay: its wide expanses of ice-polished rock, shimmering, constantly moving water, brooding skies, windsculpted trees, and tenaciously thriving junipers. The Bay is also home to a wide variety of creatures that bring life to the ancient forms of islands and shoreline forests. These, too, touch the minds and hearts of many regional artists, who, in depicting animals in their natural setting, remind us that nature stands apart from our daily cares and stresses.

The seed that grew into Hillo’s artist book series was planted during a visit to the McMichael Gallery. She was particularly struck by the expressive power of Tom Thomson’s Masonite sketch boards and finished paintings.“As I walked around and admired the Group of Seven paintings, especially a display of Tom Thomson’s paintbrushes, tubes of his paint, and his palette, I thought of how his artworks are now worth millions of dollars, yet while he was living, he was poor and unappreciated.”

Duncan Neganigwane Pheasant, Travelling to Manitoulin, 18″ x 24″, acrylic.

Reflecting on Thomson’s relative obscurity at the time of his mysterious drowning in Algonquin Park, she realized that while his fate was uncommon, the financial challenges and lack of recognition he faced are shared by contemporary artists, for whom success may come only late in life, if at all. Eventually, she sketched out a plan to showcase artists in books with a regional focus, hoping to expose them to a wider audience and celebrate their creative passion.

Hillo’s artistic talent and creativity as a graphic artist are part of her family’s legacy. Her father, Andy, was a commercial artist in Finland who became a sign painter in Toronto. His success allowed him to purchase a cottage in the Haliburton Highlands and eventually own a small resort on Elephant Lake, where Hillo developed her love for the outdoors—a place she still calls home. Inspired by her father’s talents, Hillo earned a diploma in graphic arts from George Brown College. After gaining some experience in the city, she returned to the Highlands in her early 30s, where she continued to develop her graphic arts skills through various opportunities, including publishing and freelance work for businesses and community projects.

Kent Wilkens, North Shore, 18″ x 48″, acrylic on canvas.

“The first book, The Artists of Algonquin, was tough,” Hillo recalls. “I had nothing to show but a dream and a good reputation for getting the job done. I faced rejection from many area artists, but after a phone call with artist Linda Sorensen in Wilno, Ontario, who loved the book idea, a connection was made with Robert Bateman (an internationally renowned wildlife artist). And the dream became reality.”

The success of the Algonquin book and her connection with Bateman gave Hillo the credibility to approach other artists for future projects. Familiar with novelist Roy MacGregor’s work and his ties to Huntsville, she reached out to him for her second book on Muskoka region artists; MacGregor wrote the foreword, boosting the book’s success. Hillo then published The Artists of Haliburton Highlands, drawing on her deep knowledge of the area. Her next project introduced her to Michael Dumas, one of Canada’s most successful living artists, marking a career highlight. “Working with Michael was magical,” she says, “and I cherish my friendship with him and his wife, Ellen. He gave me so much encouragement and solid advice about the art world.”

Richard Vandermeer, Haybales Oro-Medonte,
9″ x 12″, chalk pastel on paper.

The Artists of Georgian Bay is a beautifully curated book that celebrates the vibrant art community of the Georgian Bay region. Showcasing the works of both established and emerging artists, the book captures the unique landscapes, wildlife, and spirit of Georgian Bay through diverse artistic expressions. Stunning visuals are combined with insightful artist profiles, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the creative processes and inspirations behind each piece. The book not only highlights the natural beauty of the region but also serves as a testament to its thriving artistic culture.

The book received enthusiastic support from renowned artists like Arnold Nogy, featured on the cover, and master artists George McLean and Glen Loates, who wrote the foreword. Inside, you’ll find works by a diverse group of artists, such as Dave Beckett, Tony Bianco, Harvey Bodach, Barry Bowerman, Karen L. Bowen, Cathy Boyd, Phil Chadwick, Philip Craig, Gordon Drysdale, Jay Favot, Carina Francioso, Christyn Grampola, Deb Grise, Alexandra Gronfors, Dwayne Harty, Mark Hope, David Huber, Debra Lynn Ireland, Kenneth Kirsch, Deborah Masters, Alexandra McLaughlin, Shannon Craig Morphew, Chris Morton, Lee Munn, Duncan Neganigwane Pheasant, Lu Robitaille, Carole Rodrigue, John Stopciati, Brent Trach, Richard Vander Meer, Margarethe Vanderpas, Jessica Vergeer, Ivan Wheale, Jan Wheeler, Derek Wicks, Kent Wilkens, Wendy Wingfelder, and Nancy Yanaky, who collectively bring the essence of Georgian Bay to life through their art.

The Artists of Georgian Bay is available for purchase directly from the featured artists or online at theartistsbooks.com.