Lot 199: Nora Frances Elisabeth Collyer (Canadian, 1898-1979) Caladium Leaves (Study of a plowed field verso)

Caladium Leaves (Study of a plowed field verso)
signed twice 'NC/N.COLLYER.' (lower right)
signed three times and titled twice on the reverse
oil on board
40.6 x 45.7cm (16 x 18in).

Provenance:
The artist's family
Private collection, Toronto

In plant symbolism caladium leaves are a symbol of "joy and delight", this is fitting when one thinks about the often quoted reflections of Nora by her colleague and friend Anne Savage: "Nora is one of the loveliest people imaginable, so unpretentious, so apparently listless and apathetic and so full of fun and constant chatter, thoughtful and planning for everyone".
Studying at the Art Association of Montreal under William Brymner and Maurice Cullen, two artists never failing to pass on their enthusiasm for the importance of a painters self-expression, Collyer would take their influence and develop it into her own style of strong brushstrokes, vibrant colour and rhythmic shapes; as can be seen in her favourite subjects: landscapes, old houses, churches, villages and of course flowers.

Literature:
The Women of Beaver Hall Canadian Modernist Painters, Evelyn Walters, Dundurn Press, Toronto, 2005 pp.21-23