Maggie’s World, 2001

Caswell Lawrence Fine Art Gallery, Victoria By descent to the present Private Collection, Edmonton

Ted Harrison infused his paintings with a child-like sense of joy and wonder. His sophisticated abilities as a colourist belie the apparent visual simplicity of his work. Harrison’s professed favourite subjects of people, children, dogs and birds consistently infuse his painted scenes with movement and life. The artist’s beloved Paisley terrier Maggie became a recurring character in his art. Over her long life, Maggie was a loyal studio companion to the artist. With one ear raised, Maggie charmingly peers out of a high window to eagerly take in the action outside. A pink moon accents the purple sky as townsfolk go about their day. Harrison would often wander and take mental note of his surroundings, rushing home to sketch and paint when inspiration took hold.