Although Arthur Shilling studied art briefly in Toronto, he was primarily self-taught, and it was predominantly on his own that he cultivated his distinctive style, marked by bold, expressionistic brushwork and an electric colour palette. Renowned for his portraiture, this signature approach also rendered his landscape works with remarkable vivacity, as is evidenced in the present lot.

In this oil painting, there is an undeniable rhythmic quality to the brushstrokes. Thick, impasto applications of paint add texture and a tangible three-dimensional quality to the surface — seen in the whitecaps of the waves that both physically and visually echo the foaming crests of a lively stream — invite us to focus on the materiality of the paint itself. The composition thrives on the interplay of contrasting daubs and strokes, where saturated, complementary and analogous colours are juxtaposed to instill a sense of vibrancy and movement, enticing the eye to traverse the entire breadth of the canvas. Skillfully placed black and dark tones create a profound backdrop, ensuring that the brighter colours burst forth, significantly enhancing the visual potency of the scene.

Shilling's life was tragically cut short at the tender age of 44, yet his artistic legacy continues to resonate. Reflecting on the artist’s impact, Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien wrote, “Canada [...] will be better off because Arthur Shilling was with us even for a brief period of time” [1].

1. Jean Chrétien in Arthur Shilling, The Ojibway Dream, (Montreal/Plattsburgh, NY: Tundra Press, 1986), foreword, unpag.