Reflections in the Creek, circa 1914

Roberts Gallery, Toronto Joyner Waddington's, auction, Toronto, 1 June 2010, lot 68 Private Collection, Toronto

A.Y. Jackson, "A Painter's Country: The Autobiography of A.Y. Jackson", Toronto/Vancouver, 1958, page 35 Wayne Larsen, "A.Y. Jackson: The Life of a Landscape Painter", Toronto, 2009, pages 63, 64

"Reflections in the Creek" offers insight into the artistic evolution of Alexander Young Jackson before the maturing of his style. This composition, a precursor to the bold and expressive landscape of the Canadian wilderness, is believed to belong to Jackson’s earliest exploration of Algonquin Park. According to the labels attached to the reverse of the board, this work was presented to the artist in 1970, providing an approximate date and location for this wintery scene. This is further supported by Clare Bice, curator of the Williams Memorial Art Gallery and Museum (now Museum London) from 1940 to 1972. Bice was present at this meeting, and notes on the reverse that this work is similar to paintings created by Jackson during this early period of Algonquin Park sketches. Jackson’s travels into Algonquin Park was inspired by the stories and artworks of Tom Thomson. Eager to experience it for himself, Jackson set off alone to traverse the frozen north in February of 1914. Exhilarated by the rugged Canadian wilderness, this trip proved to be a great success for Jackson. "Reflections in the Creek" showcases Jackson’s skill of dynamic layering, where the thick white paint of the heavy snow is momentarily interrupted by tufts of grass. Bathed in sunlight, the partially hidden forest is brought to life under Jackson’s brush. Long shadows cast onto the snow are stretched across the board, while dense brush is reflected in the still creek below.