signed and dated; on verso signed, titled “July”, and inscribed by the artist, and titled and dated on gallery labels

Franklin Carmichael (May 4, 1890 – October 24, 1945) was a distinguished Canadian artist, designer, and illustrator, best known as a member of the iconic Group of Seven. Born in Orillia, Ontario, Carmichael showcased artistic talent early, encouraged by his mother to pursue music and art.

At 20, Carmichael moved to Toronto to attend the Ontario College of Art, studying under William Cruickshank and George Reid. He started his career at Grip Ltd., where he met fellow artists like Lawren Harris and J.E.H. MacDonald. Carmichael’s artistic journey led him to the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Antwerp, but his studies were cut short by World War I.

Returning to Toronto in 1914, he became part of a circle of artists, including Tom Thomson, in the Studio Building. They sought to depict the unspoiled Canadian landscape, drawing inspiration from Scandinavian painters. In 1920, Carmichael, along with six others, founded the Group of Seven, which aimed to portray Canada's rugged landscapes.

Carmichael's artistic journey evolved as he embraced watercolours during a 1925 trip to Lake Superior with Harris and Jackson. His works, often of Ontario's La Cloche Mountains and Lake Huron, reflect his deep spiritual and theosophical influences, showcasing his unique blend of vivid colours and geometric forms. He co-founded the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour in 1925 to elevate the medium’s status.

Transitioning from commercial art, Carmichael taught at the Ontario College of Art from 1932 until his death in 1945. Despite his relative youth, his contribution to the Group of Seven was profound, leaving a legacy celebrated for its exploration of Canada’s landscapes and its spiritual essence.

Examples of Carmichael’s work can be found in several major Canadian galleries. Notably, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the National Gallery of Canada house significant collections of his paintings. Additionally, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario, offers a comprehensive view of Carmichael’s works alongside those of his fellow Group of Seven members.