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Isabel McLaughlin Most Popular Paintings

The 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 15 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Isabel McLaughlin · 1903 – 2002

All Aboard

1948 · The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa

A lively scene of passengers enjoying a journey on a large steamboat captures the spirit of Isabel McLaughlin's 1948 modernist style, inviting you to bring this vibrant moment of Canadian art into your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Haliburton Country Lake Autumn

1957 · The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa

Vibrant autumn hues of yellow and orange reflect across a serene lake in this 1957 landscape by Canadian modernist Isabel McLaughlin, offering a peaceful window into nature for your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Bermudiana

1950 · The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa · original 63 x 66 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17832 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27566 × 63 cm Commission at original size

Qui Sait?

1950 · The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa · original 60 x 47 cm

An intricate explosion of colorful abstract shapes defines this 1950 graphite masterpiece by Canadian modernist Isabel McLaughlin, offering a captivating glimpse into mid-century abstraction for your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23447 × 60 cm Commission at original size

Budding Hyacinths

1933 · The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa · original 45 x 55 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22355 × 45 cm Commission at original size

Jets Over Arizona

1956 · The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa · original 55 x 76 cm

A vibrant depiction of the Arizona desert landscape featuring sun-drenched cacti and a dramatic sky by Canadian modernist pioneer Isabel McLaughlin invites you to bring this warm 1956 masterpiece into your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27576 × 55 cm Commission at original size

L

View the most popular artwork of Isabel McLaughlin ranked #7: L

1930 · The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Drawing from Life, Provincetown

1948 · The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa · original 61 x 47 cm

A striking black and white charcoal study of the human form by Canadian modernist Isabel McLaughlin captures the graceful contours of a figure in motion from 1948, inviting you to explore this timeless masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23547 × 61 cm Commission at original size

Untitled

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Memory of Arizona

1970 · The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17842 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

Camoflage

1948 · The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa

A serene scene of a woman painting amidst lush greenery defines this 1948 masterpiece by Canadian modernist Isabel McLaughlin, inviting you to bring this tranquil moment of artistic devotion into your own collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17827 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Bonita Lake, Algonquin Park

1933 · National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa · original 33.2 x 42.6cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17826 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19133 × 43 cm Commission at original size

Sketch for Tree

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa · original 54 x 48 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17830 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22748 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Chestnut Branch

1931 · National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa · original 51.4 x 49.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17839 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22551 × 49 cm Commission at original size

Tree

1935 · National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa · original 203.5 x 92.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 15 artworks by Isabel McLaughlin
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17839 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$713204 × 92 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Isabel McLaughlin

1903 – 2002

Quick facts

Died2002
Emotional tonecalm
Typical colorsearthy, dark
Color intensitybalanced, vivid, monochromatic
Creative periodsmature period
Top 3 worksAll Aboard, Haliburton Country Lake Autumn, Bermudiana
NationalityCanada
Born1903, Oshawa, Canada

Biography

A Pioneer of Canadian Modernism: The Life and Art of Isabel McLaughlin

Isabel McLaughlin, born in Oshawa, Canada, in 1903, emerged as a pivotal figure in the development of Canadian modern art. Her journey was one of dedicated artistic exploration, coupled with a profound commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community. Growing up within the privileged surroundings of Parkwood Estate, home to her father Robert Samuel McLaughlin—founder of General Motors Canada—she was exposed to a world where art held significant value. This early immersion in culture, alongside the influence of her mother and grandmother’s artistic inclinations towards needlework depicting nature, laid the foundation for her lifelong passion. McLaughlin's path wasn’t simply one of inherited privilege; it was forged through rigorous study and unwavering dedication to her craft. She embarked on a formal art education that took her across continents, beginning with watercolour studies under Louise Saint in Paris during the 1920s, a period crucial for absorbing European artistic currents. This foundational experience was followed by attendance at the Ontario College of Art (OCA) between 1925 and 1927, where she benefited from the mentorship of Arthur Lismer, a key member of the celebrated Group of Seven, and Yvonne McKague Housser. These formative years instilled in her not only technical skill but also a modernist sensibility that would define her artistic vision.

Formative Influences and Artistic Development

McLaughlin’s artistic development was deeply intertwined with the evolving Canadian art scene of the early 20th century. Her association with the Group of Seven, through Lismer's guidance, proved instrumental in shaping her initial approach to landscape painting. However, she quickly moved beyond direct imitation, forging a unique style characterized by bold compositions and a sculptural simplicity. Further studies in Paris at the Scandinavian Academy in 1929-30, and later with Emil Bisttram in New Mexico exploring Dynamic Symmetry, broadened her artistic horizons. A particularly significant period was her collaboration with fellow Canadian artist Prudence Heward in Europe during 1930. This partnership fostered a shared exploration of modernist techniques and themes, influencing both artists’ subsequent work. McLaughlin's style gradually shifted from the representational landscapes of her early years towards more abstract forms, reflecting the influence of Cubism and other avant-garde movements circulating internationally. She wasn’t merely adopting trends; she was synthesizing them into a distinctly Canadian voice—one that balanced modernist principles with a deep connection to the natural world. Her work during this period demonstrated “intense modern feeling” as noted by Fred Housser in 1929, and showcased an originality of expression that set her apart from many contemporaries.

A Champion of Artistic Collaboration and Leadership

Beyond her personal artistic practice, Isabel McLaughlin played a vital role in shaping the Canadian art landscape through collaboration and leadership. She was a founding member of the Canadian Group of Painters (CGP) in 1933, an organization formed after the dissolution of the Group of Seven, providing a platform for modernist artists to exhibit their work. Remarkably, she became the first woman president of the CGP in 1939, serving until 1945—a testament to her standing within the artistic community and her commitment to promoting innovative art. This leadership role was particularly significant at a time when women faced considerable barriers in the art world. McLaughlin actively supported her peers, both financially and through advocacy, fostering an environment of creative exchange. She also served as an executive member and president of the Heliconian Club in Toronto, further demonstrating her dedication to cultural organizations. Her commitment extended beyond formal positions; she was known for generously supporting younger artists, sometimes deliberately pricing her own work higher to avoid competing with those struggling to establish themselves.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Isabel McLaughlin’s contributions were recognized throughout her life with prestigious accolades, including the Order of Ontario in 1993 and the Order of Canada in 1997. Her work is now held in numerous public collections across Canada, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (named after a member of her family), and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. The Robert McLaughlin Gallery holds an especially significant collection of her paintings, reflecting her deep connection to her hometown and her commitment to supporting local arts institutions. In 2022, a work by McLaughlin achieved a record sale price at Cowley Abbott auction, demonstrating the growing recognition of her artistic importance in the market. Her legacy extends beyond her individual artworks; she left an indelible mark on the Canadian art scene as a pioneering modernist, a dedicated patron, and a visionary leader who championed innovation and inclusivity. Her story serves as an inspiration to artists and art enthusiasts alike, reminding us of the power of creativity, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to one’s artistic vision. Bermudiana, All Aboard, and L\ are just a few examples of her captivating works that continue to resonate with audiences today.

Questions & Answers

Where can I see the color profile of Isabel McLaughlin's work?

Isabel McLaughlin's use of color across the works listed on this website can be studied on the artist's Palette Genome page.

Where can I see Isabel McLaughlin's artworks arranged by atmosphere?

The Mood Room of Isabel McLaughlin is a page that arranges the artist's artworks by mood.

How is Isabel McLaughlin's career divided into periods?

A chronological account of Isabel McLaughlin's work is available on the artist's Chronicle page, where the artworks pass in order of creation, chapter by chapter.

By the TopImpressionists.com Editorial Team Updated Aug. 31, 2026

Collector's quiz

Isabel McLaughlin is known for specializing in which types of art?
With whom did Isabel McLaughlin study watercolour painting in Paris?
Isabel McLaughlin held the position of first woman president for which organization?
In what year did Isabel McLaughlin's work set a record sale price at Cowley Abbott auction?
Which gallery holds a significant collection of Isabel McLaughlin's work?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Isabel McLaughlin

Every artwork by Isabel McLaughlin in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Isabel McLaughlin