The Untold Story of A.J. Casson: The Visionary Who Put Canadian Art on the World Map
On May 17, 1898, one of Canada’s most celebrated artists, Alfred Joseph Casson (A.J. Casson), was born. Known for his evocative portrayals of rural Ontario and his pioneering contributions to Canadian art, Casson holds a special place in the history of North American landscape painting. As the youngest and final member to join the Group of Seven, a collective of Canadian landscape painters who redefined the nation’s artistic identity, Casson left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists and art lovers worldwide.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
A.J. Casson was born in Toronto, Ontario, and moved to Hamilton during his childhood. At the Hamilton Technical School, he first discovered his passion for art, studying under John S. Gordon, a key figure in shaping his early artistic education. By the age of 16, Casson had already begun his professional journey as an apprentice at Laidlaw Lithography Company, immersing himself in the world of commercial art.
Courtesy – Galerie Q
Over the years, Casson honed his skills working with various commercial art firms in Toronto, gaining technical expertise and a refined eye for composition and design. His experience in the commercial art world would not only support his artistic endeavours but also play a crucial role in the development of his distinctive style.
From Oil to Watercolour: A Signature Style Emerges
Though Casson experimented with oil painting in his early years, he found his true voice in watercolour painting, which allowed him to express the clarity and serenity of the Canadian landscape with exceptional delicacy and detail. In 1925, he co-founded the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC) alongside artists Franklin Carmichael and Frederick Brigden, formalising his commitment to this challenging and expressive medium.
Courtesy – ArtHive
Casson’s painting style is marked by clear lines, simplified forms, and a limited but vibrant colour palette, emphasising structure and design over realism. His landscapes often depict Ontario’s farmlands, forests, and small towns, rendered in a style that balances modernist abstraction with a deep reverence for nature. He also painted still lifes and floral studies, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.
The Group of Seven and Beyond
In 1926, Casson was invited to join the legendary Group of Seven, an influential group of Canadian landscape painters who sought to develop a uniquely Canadian style of art. The Group was known for its bold interpretations of the wilderness and its emphasis on the spiritual power of nature. Casson’s inclusion marked a new phase in his career, and he brought to the collective a fresh perspective grounded in his experience with watercolours and his deep appreciation for the Ontario landscape.
Courtesy – The Groyp of Seven
When the Group of Seven disbanded in 1932, Casson, along with several former members, co-founded the Canadian Group of Painters in 1933. This new collective expanded the vision of the Group of Seven, opening its doors to a wider array of artists while continuing to promote Canadian art on the national and international stage.
Champion of Canadian Art and Culture
Beyond his contributions as a painter, A.J. Casson played a significant role in promoting Canadian art through commercial work, design, and cultural leadership. He was instrumental in supporting the World War II war artist program, which documented Canada’s involvement in the war through art. His dedication to the arts was recognised through numerous awards, accolades, and honorary degrees from major Canadian institutions.
Courtesy – Agnes Etherington Arts Centre
Casson also had a long and respected career as a graphic designer, including a key role at Sampson-Matthews Limited, where he produced high-quality prints of Canadian artwork for public display. These prints brought the work of the Group of Seven and other Canadian artists to a much wider audience, helping to elevate Canadian art both at home and abroad.
Legacy and Major Collections
A.J. Casson passed away on February 20, 1992, leaving behind a substantial body of work that continues to be studied and celebrated. He was buried at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario, alongside six other members of the Group of Seven—a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to Canadian art.
Courtesy – Rumi Galleries
His artworks are housed in some of Canada’s most prestigious collections, including:
- The McMichael Canadian Art Collection
- The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
- The O.J. Firestone Collection of the Ontario Heritage Foundation
These collections ensure that Casson’s legacy endures, allowing new generations to experience the clarity, structure, and emotional depth of his vision.
A Lasting Impression on Canadian Art
A.J. Casson remains a towering figure in the landscape of 20th-century Canadian art. His work reflects the beauty of the Canadian wilderness and showcases the potential of design and technique in fine art. Through his commitment to watercolour painting, his involvement in transformative artist groups, and his efforts to bring Canadian art to the broader world, Casson helped define a national artistic identity.
Courtesy – one1 more2 time3’s weblog
As we remember A.J. Casson on his birth anniversary, we celebrate not just an artist but a visionary who elevated Canadian art to the world stage—an enduring symbol of creativity, craftsmanship, and national pride.
Image – A.J. Casson. Anglican Church at Magnetawan (1933). Courtesy – National Gallery of Canada
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