By Mark Skeffington One notable admirer of Canadian artist William John Hopkinson’s paintings was the American actor Vincent Price, best known for starring in dozens of gothic horror movies. Vincent Price (1911-1993) penned a letter to W.J. Hopkinson on the occasion of the Newmarket, Ontario artist’s 80th birthday in 1967. The letter reads: “Dear William Hopkinson. As a long time admirer of your beautiful paintings, may I join the throng in wishing you a very Happy Birthday! … [Read more...]
Forbes Family Painted Prime Ministers
August 26, 2014 by
Canada has a rich history of artists following in the footsteps of their artist parents. This is one of a series of blog posts telling their stories. Father-and-son artists John Forbes and Kenneth Forbes painted Canadian prime ministers, spanning decades of our country’s history. John Colin Forbes (1846-1925) is considered one of Canada’s leading portrait painters. Among his subjects were prime ministers Sir John A. MacDonald and Alexander Mackenzie, but he also painted leading … [Read more...]
Sampson-Matthews Silkscreen Story
March 28, 2014 by
By Mark Skeffington When is a print more than just a print? The answer: When it’s a Sampson-Matthews silkscreen. Prints aren’t as valued or sought-after by art collectors. However, Canadian art silkscreens produced by the Sampson-Matthews Ltd. company of Toronto from 1942-1963 hold a special place in the homes of many art collectors. The silkscreens also hold a special place in the history of Canadian art and Canada. The story is familiar to some, but not to … [Read more...]
