RIP: Ken Danby

[Northcott]

Ken Danby, perhaps Canada's most famous modern artist -- and argueably one of our most famous, period -- died yesterday while canoeing in Algonquin park, searching out inspiration for new paintings. :(

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gTViBgWj22ptUcqDlRJylbvEXcuQ

[Brynja]

At least he was doing something peaceful before he went.

[Northcott]

Ever been up in Algonquin? It's gorgeous up there. The weather's been lovely, too. In a couple more weeks, when the leaves are turning, it'll look absolutely breathtaking.

I'm kind of surprised by how much this news saddens me. I suppose it's because it's put an end to one of the best. An artist I respected deeply, and who kept realism popular in the public eye when galleries were paying millions for abstract art -- which I have little to no respect for.

[Brynja]

Yep me and shitbag used to go camping there all the time. Canoeing is one of my favorite pastimes.

[GreyOne]

That "At the Crease" is one of the definitive paintings I remember from my young days. I used to think it was Ken Dryden too.

[Northcott]

I used to stand in front of our copy and marvel at the precision of the brush strokes. Even the texture of old puck marks on the boards was perfect.