Grand Canal, Venice, 1936

Private Collection, Toronto

Janet Braide and Nancy Parke-Taylor, “Caroline and Frank Armington: Canadian Painter-Etchers in Paris”, Art Gallery of Peel, 1990, page 44

Frank Armington’s work was enormously popular with American buyers, many of whom he met while living in Paris with his wife, Caroline, after the First World War. Paris was a very popular destination for American travellers wanting to experience the thrill of Europe. The Armingtons both adored the artistic style and milieu of the city, and this is conveyed in Frank’s Impressionist-inspired painting style. After seeing his work at Ralston Gallery in New York in 1918, one reviewer remarked, “Atmospheric effects are the chief concern of Mr. Armington, who is a pleasing colorist in a restricted range.” The artist’s early works consisted of naturalistic interpretations of subjects he found throughout Paris and the French countryside. Critics often remarked that his compositions reflect the softer qualities of Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. While mostly concentrating on his French environs, Armington also travelled to Italy, England, North Africa and Sweden. Later works, such as “Grand Canal, Venice”, painted in 1936, illustrates a freedom of execution and use of brilliant colour. The focus of the composition is the architecture and the boats. The human figures populate the scene only to provide a sense of scale. The artist’s celebrated use of atmospheric effects and approach to colour in the “Grand Canal, Venice” creates a picturesque composition rich with vivid detail.