Mary Evelyn Wrinch

Place: Kirby-Le-Soken

Born: 1877

Death: 1969

Biography:

Mary Evelyn Wrinch, a prominent Canadian artist, was born in 1877 in Kirby-le-Soken, Essex, England. She immigrated to Canada with her mother at the age of eight following her father's death. Wrinch developed her unique style by combining elements from both English and Canadian art traditions.

Early Life and Education

Wrinch attended Bishop Strachan School in Toronto and later studied at the Central Ontario School of Art, now known as OCAD University, from 1889 to 1893. She also attended the Grosvenor School of Modern Art in London under Walter Donne's direction until 1899. Wrinch furthered her education by taking private studies in London and New York.

Career

Wrinch was first known for her miniature paintings on ivory, which she created in Toronto. She later turned to landscape painting, particularly of the Muskoka region, around 1906. Her painting, Saw Mill, Muskoka, is now housed at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Wrinch also experimented with color linoleum prints, starting around 1928. Wrinch was a member of several artist organizations, including the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and the Ontario Society of Artists. She was also part of the Heliconian Club and the Women's Art Association of Canada, which promoted women's participation in the arts.

Exhibitions and Legacy

Wrinch's work was showcased at various exhibitions, including the 1924 British Empire Exhibition at Wembley, London, and A Century of Canadian Art in 1938 at the Tate Gallery, London. Her first commercial exhibition was at The Art Metropole in 1966, curated by Jerrold Morris. Wrinch's art is characterized by her use of bold colors and her ability to capture the freshness and vitality of her subjects. Her colour block prints are considered virtuoso examples of the medium. For more information on Wrinch's life and career, visit Mary Evelyn Wrinch or check out her biography on Wikipedia. Some of Wrinch's notable works include:

• Saw Mill, Muskoka, housed at the Art Gallery of Ontario
• colour block prints, considered virtuoso examples of the medium
• Miniature paintings on ivory, showcasing her skill and attention to detail

Wrinch's contributions to Canadian art are significant, and her work continues to be celebrated for its unique style and bold use of color. Her legacy is a testament to her dedication to the arts and her ability to capture the beauty of the Canadian landscape. Visit Macdonald Stewart Art Center or Cornelius David Krieghoff's Habitant Returning from Market to explore more Canadian art and artists.