Tom Thompson

Tom Thompson was an influential Canadian artist in the early 20th century.  He influenced a group of painters known as the Group of Seven.  Even though he died before they were created he is often incorrectly credited for being a member of the group.  He grew up in southern Ontario.  He was really influenced by his visit to Algonquin Park in 1912.  He travelled with his colleagues in the wilderness and painted what he saw.  He was a self-taught painter who spent hours perfecting his craft.  Sadly, he died on a canoeing trip to Algonquin Park in 1917.  His artwork is located in many art galleries including the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg.  Thank you for influencing Canadians to explore their creativity.