BERNE, Sydney Martin (1921-2013) b. 1921. Born in Toronto, Ontario, he attended the Central Technical School where he studied water colours under Carl Schaefer, Peter Haworth and sculpture with Florence Wyle. He served with the Canadian Army overseas. During his free time Berne studied water colours with John Carlson. In an exhibition at the National Gallery in London he was awarded a purchase prize. Before returning home he went to Paris where he studied abstract expressionism under Andre Paul. This experience gave him greater freedom of expression in the landscapes. Returning to Canada in 1946 he settled in Montreal and became known for his landscapes, seascapes and street scenes of Montreal and Toronto. Berne’s solo shows include: Garfield Gallery, Tor. 1(1962); Lyn Kottler Gallery, NYC (1970); Rockhill Complex, Mtl. (1973); Galerie des Peintures Canadiens (sic) (1976) and others. He has also participated in a number of group shows in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Vancouver and New York City. Member of the Canadian Writers Society.
