John Barrie Rennie (Canadian, 1900-1979)
Untitled: ‘Western Columbine (Aquilegia Formosa)’ (1940)
watercolour on paper
(Actual): 12 ¾” high x 9” wide
(Framed): 21 ¼” high x 16 ¼” wide
Description: An original John Barrie Rennie Canadian School watercolour on paper floral study entitled, ‘Western Columbine (Aquilegia Formosa)’, dated 1940.
Note: Rennie is best known for his wildflower studies and was commissioned by the Canadian Audubon Society to capture the beauty of wild flowers in their natural habitat. A naturalist and lover of the outdoors, he travelled throughout Canada painting Canadian landscapes and flowers accompanied by A. Y. Jackson” (of the Group of Seven).
Markings: signed and dated lower left, “BARRIE / RENNIE / 1940”
(Actual): 12 ¾” high x 9” wide
(Framed): 21 ¼” high x 16 ¼” wide
Condition: Very Good Condition – Ready for Display.
For Accuracy Only: there is extremely light even fading, this is barely noticeable and expected on watercolours executed in this technique; and some wear to the extremities of the frame. – Ready for Display.
Artist Biography: RENNIE, John Barrie (Canada, 1900-1972) Born in Toronto, he studied at the Ontario College of Art under A. Y. Jackson, Arthur Lismer and J. E. H. MacDonald; the Art Students’ League, New York City and in Mexico under Pinto. He then travelled to the West Indies. As early as 1935 his wild flower paintings were chosen byt the Toronto Humane Society for the Humane Calendar. During WWII he served with the Royal Canadian Engineers (Department of Research and Development) and completed a group of war record paintings which toured Canada and were later deposited in the R. C. E. Headquarters, Chilliwack, B. C. Subsequently he spent six years in Yellowknife, NWT as service construction engineer for Giant Yellowknife Gold Mines. There he organized a large painting class and also attend the Banff School of Fine Arts. From Yellowknife he went to the West Indies in search of a special type of orchid. He has been a naturalist and lover of outdoors for most of hist life. During his career Rennie has travelled throughout Canada painting flowers and landscapes and has accompanied A> Y. Jackson in the north, George Thomson in the Bruce Peninsula and in the Gatineau and Ottawa region Ralpho Burton. He was commissioned by the Canadian Audubon Society to capture the beauty of wild flowers in their natural habitat. One of this paintings of the white trillium, Ontario’s emblem, hangs in Ontario House, London, England. His wild flowers and snow scenes have appeared on Coutts hasti-notes and Canadian Artists Series Christmas crds. Rennie aints non-objective and abstract canvases as well. His work has been shown at :Continental Gallery, Mtl.; Scottish Gallery, Tor.; Malenis Gallery, Tor.; Port Carling, Ont.; Jean Bohne Gallery, NYC; ENtwhistle Gallery, N. J.; Vermont Artists Assoc. Gallery; Dare Gallery, Detroit and elsewhere. He lives in Port Carling, Ontario. (Dictionary of Artists in Canada).
