Frank Hans (Franz) Johnston

Frank Hans Johnston was a 20th-century Canadian painter, born June 19, 1888, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is best known as a member of the celebrated Group of Seven, a collective of Canadian painters who redefined Canadian art in the early 20th century. Johnston studied at the Central Technical School in Toronto and continued his artistic training at the Art Students League in New York, United States. He also studied at the Académie Julian in Paris, France, where he was exposed to various European art movements.

Returning to Canada, Johnston was a founding member of the Group of Seven in 1920, along with other renowned Canadian artists such as A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris, Arthur Lismer, J.E.H. MacDonald, and Franklin Carmichael. Together, they sought to create a distinctively Canadian art, with an emphasis on depicting Canadian landscapes. However, he soon left the group. In this regard, Johnston stated that he simply wanted to follow his voice and that there was no problem between him and the other members. Johnston achieved significant financial success at a time when many Canadian artists were struggling. He changed his name from Frank to Franz around 1926 after learning from a friend who worked as a numerologist in New York that the name Frank would never help him succeed. Johnston noted the name Franz, which is the name of a town in Ontario located east of White River.

Johnston's works were characterized by bright, expressive colours, an energetic application of paint, and a careful attention to the effects of light. He was often drawn to the northern landscapes of Canada, particularly the regions of Ontario and Quebec. His paintings captured the beauty and grandeur of the Canadian landscape, emphasizing the power and majesty of nature.

Beyond his work with the Group of Seven, Johnston also taught at the Winnipeg School of Art and influenced many emerging artists. He was active in promoting Canadian art and participated in numerous exhibitions in Canada and abroad.

Johnston left the Group of Seven in 1924 to pursue an individual career, but he continued to paint and exhibit his work. He explored different styles and techniques throughout his career, ranging from impressionism to realism and abstraction. Frank Johnston died on July 19, 1949, in Toronto, leaving behind a significant artistic legacy. His paintings continue to be appreciated for their contribution to Canadian art and for their eloquent depictions of Canada's landscapes. His work helped shape the country's artistic identity and played a vital role in the evolution of Canadian art in the 20th century.

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