“Summer Cottage, Balm Beach Ont. (near Midland),” presents a less traditional take on one of the Group of Seven’s favourite subjects: Georgian Bay. Rather than painting the rocky shorelines and wind- swept trees, Franz Johnston chose to depict a closer glimpse into the cottages of the region. “Summer Cottage” is also a very dense composition, in contrast to paintings of Lake Huron’s open waters. Pine trees and overhanging branches, cabins, and a leaning ladder create multiple levels between the foreground and background. In the red trim of the cabins and light filtering through the trees, Johnston illustrates a vibrant and charming setting of Ontario cottage life. Balm Beach, in the south-eastern corner of Georgian Bay, is a popular summer destination for families because of its long beaches of very shallow water.
