Henri Leopold Masson (1907 - 1996) CGP CSGA CSPWC FCA OSA

Henri Leopold Masson 1907 – 1996
CGP CSGA CSPWC FCA OSA
Scene: Laurentian Summer
Size: 18″ x 24″ ( 25 1/2″ x 31 1/2″ framed ) ……. SOLD!!!

A bright, energetic Laurentian landscape rendered with broad, confident brushstrokes. This 18″ × 24″ oil presents a meandering river that winds through sunlit fields and rolling hills; Masson’s palette is lively — saturated blues, warm ochres and fresh greens — and the paint handling emphasizes gesture and rhythm over fine detail. The composition leads the eye along the river’s gentle curves, giving the scene both movement and a restful sense of place.

Henri Masson was born in Belgium in 1907 and studied at Athénée Royale in Brussels. He moved to Ottawa with his mother in 1921 where he latter apprenticed at a metal engraving company and finally achieving master engraver in 1932. Although mostly self-taught, he did studied at the Ottawa Art Association under George Rowles for a period of time. Like many other Canadian artist, he was inspired by the Group of Seven but developed his own style. He exhibited at the Royal Canadian Academy of Artist ( RCA ) annually from 1935 to 1940. He was a member of the Ontario Society of Artist ( OSA ) 1938, Canadian Group of Painters ( CGP ) 1942, Canadian Society of Graphic Art ( CSGA ) 1942, Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour ( CSPWC ) 1942 and the Federation of Canadian Artist ( FCA ) 1945. Indeed, by 1945 he was a highly successful artist with numerous exhibitions in North America and aboard. Over his long career, he gave private art lesson from his own studio, taught classes at Queens University (1948-52), Banff School of Fine Arts (1954), Ashbury College (1954) and Doon School of Fine Arts (1960-64) to name a few. In 1955 he was awarded an honorary degree of LL.D. from Assumtion College.