Woodnote, 1944

Linda Lando Fine Art, Vancouver E. Dorland Taylor, Ottawa Private Collection, Calgary

“F.H. Varley: A Centennial Exhibition”, The Edmonton Art Gallery; travelling to Art Gallery of Greater Victoria; National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa; Montreal Museum of Fine Arts; the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, 16 October 1981–13 November 1982, no. 182 as “Woodnote”, 1944

Christopher Varley, “F.H. Varley: A Centennial Exhibition”, Edmonton, 1981, no. 182, reproduced page 160 Peter Varley, “Frederick H. Varley”, Toronto, 1983, reproduced page 71

Frederick Varley left Vancouver in 1937, and moved between Montreal and Ottawa. Varley made frequent visits with friends in Montreal and stayed with the family of Douglas Duncan, a friend, art collector and vital supporter. In 1944, before returning to Toronto late in the year, Varley created numerous sketches and watercolours near the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. Bordered by the Rideau Canal, the scenic area provided Varley with visual inspiration and calming respite. The medium of watercolour was well–suited to Varley’s restless travels during this period. “Woodnote” of 1944 demonstrates the artist’s keen ability to capture his surroundings with speed and confidence. Watery, light–blue splashes of colour at the centre highlight the trees and plants of the foreground. The artist’s son Peter Varley observed; “The delicate watercolour and pencil “Woodnote” is an example of the shift in Varley’s landscape drawing during these years. Soft and fluid, there is an evident mastery.”