A Snowy New Year: William Kurelek

Editor’s Note: These paintings are a tiny portion of Kurelek’s body of work. He was remarkable and troubled, a major force in Canadian art who produced some of the country’s most iconic modern works.  If you want more, dive into the superb online version of a major exhibit of his life and works, here. Also have a look at the image gallery at the bottom of this post, with some of his other art.

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Happy New Year everyone. I’m looking forward to exploring more Canadian art with you this year, starting with William Kurelek, one of my favorite artists.  The bitter cold and snow that enveloped the country through the holidays made me think of his exuberant winter scenes. (Above: Balsam Avenue After Heavy Snowfall, 1972)

The guys with snowblowers – and children headed for the snowbanks – have been out in force, communing with winter in my neighborhood these last few weeks, reminding us there can be fun and camaraderie even in the bone-chilling cold. Kurelek, who grew up on the prairies, captures how it’s done. (Top of post: Balsam Avenue After Heavy Snowfall, 1972 / Above: Fox and Geese, 1973)

Eskimo Children Playing – Cape Dorset, 1968 

Snowball Weather, the cover of his book A Prairie Boy’s Winter

King of the Mountain, 1973

Heavy Snowfall on Balsam Avenue – Looking the Other Way, 1972

These paintings are a tiny portion of Kurelek’s body of work. He was remarkable and troubled, a major force in Canadian art who produced some of the country’s most iconic modern works.  To learn more, dive into the superb online version of a major exhibit of his life and works, here.

Ancient Beauty Ever Old and Ever New

Ukrainian Pioneer No. 3

Sold for $380,250 at Heffel Auction House in 2012

Manitoba Party

Ukrainian Pioneer No. 6

Balsam Avenue after Heavy Snowfall, 1972

A Poor Mexican Courtyard

The Ukrainian Pioneer No. 2

William Kurelek, 1957