The Life and Art of Sarah Robertson
Born in Montreal, Canada, Sarah Robertson was a painter who dedicated her life to capturing the world through landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and murals for private homes. Her artistic journey began at the age of nineteen when she received a Wood Scholarship to the Art Association of Montreal, studying under William Brymner and Maurice Cullen. Following the interruption of her studies by World War I, she continued her education from 1921 to 1924 under Randolph Hewton, a founding member of the Canadian Group of Painters. During her time at the Art Association, she became a member of the Beaver Hall Group, a Montreal-based group of artists that included many women. She maintained a close friendship with Prudence Heward and a long correspondence with A.Y. Jackson, who provided critical judgment for her work.
Artistic Style and Legacy
Robertson's artistic evolution saw her later work become bolder in colors and freer in composition, reflecting a deep love of nature through her unique style. Her paintings were exhibited internationally, including shows at the Yale University Art Gallery, the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes in Rio de Janeiro, and the Riverside Museum in New York. She was also invited to participate in exhibitions with the Group of Seven. Her work is preserved in several notable collections, including:
A founding member of the Canadian Group of Painters, Robertson helped establish a new direction for Canadian art. She passed away in Montreal.
