1883, Toronto, Ontario – 1949, Toronto, Ontario
Unique among the group for his use of tempera rather than oil paint, Johnston exhibited with The Group of Seven only once, in their first show in May 1920. His works, while less radical than his colleagues, took rich inspiration from Northern Ontario landscapes, highlighting the pattern and textures of the land. In 1921, he moved to Winnipeg to lead the city's art college and museum, severing ties with the Group and adopting the name Franz. He returned to Ontario in 1924 to teach at the Ontario College of Art (now OCADU).
Franz Johnston, Autumn - Algoma, c. 1917. Oil on paperboard, Overall: 26.6 x 33.6 cm. The Thomson Collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario, 2017. Photo © AGO. 2017/228
