His Most Famous Painting - North Shore, Lake Superior - Lawren Harris

Canadian painter Lawren Stewart Harris or Lawren Harris was known to have pioneered the distinct Canadian style of painting in the early twentieth century. He made numerous paintings inspired by the primitive landscapes of northern Canada. "North Shore, Lake Superior," painted in 1926, is one of his most memorable works. He made this oil painting on a 102.2 cm x 128.3 cm canvas. Harris used soothing cool colors, such as light blues, white, grey, and a little amount of brown in this animated painting.

The background of Lawren's painting shows quiet, snow covered hills. The right upper corner is covered with grey white fluffy clouds. In the foreground, there is a tree trunk at the shore of the lake, placed right at the centre of the painting. The tree is stripped bare of its foliage and branches. The frost and the icy winds of the Arctic have smoothed its rough bark. There is a long slit running vertically across the trunk. In spite of its withered condition, the tree stump still stands with its roots held firmly in the ground. There is a very visible presence of light in the form of bright sunrays descending from the left corner of the picture. The light illuminates the silhouette of hills and the screen of clouds on the horizon. The rays of light falling on the slit of the tree trunk give it a 'Surreal,' three-dimensional effect. The combination of vast space, muted color tones, and the mystical rays of light give the painting a mesmerizing effect. This amazing work of art evokes the feelings of spirituality and tranquility.

Lawren Harris was a follower of theosophy. He was fascinated with the theosophical aspect of nature. His paintings were not mere imitations of nature, but had deeper symbolic meaning. It was a popular belief that the tree in the "North Shore, Lake Superior" really signified Harris himself who had survived major hardships and a nervous breakdown in his life. Some art critics even felt that Harris' painting was actually a metaphorical representation of the major discord that Canada was going through in that time. Robert C. Sibley the author of "Northern Spirits" used this painting as the cover for his book.

"North Shore, Lake Superior" is a striking illustration with an inescapable enigmatic pull. Lawren Harris has demonstrated immense competence in capturing the soulfully beautiful North shore of Lake Superior. This painting is currently housed at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa.

Source : ezinearticles