 |
Woodland Style First Nations Art
Woodland style paintings are familiar to most people. You’ve seen this style, even if you don’t recognize the name. In fact, Woodlands style are is what comes to mind for many people when they think of First Nations art. Other names for this style of art include:- Woodland Metis Art
- Medicine Art
- Legend Art
History of Woodland Style Art
The father of the Woodland School of Art is the famous Ojibwa artist Norval Morrisseau.Morrisseau hailed from Ontario; Woodland refers to an area around Ontario’s Great Lakes.
Woodland art is characterized by thick lines and bright colours. Unlike landscapes, the designs seen in this style of art are two-dimensional, flat designs. The viewer looks at them rather than into them as they lack a perception of depth. Indeed, there is a simplicity to Woodland style art that is both striking and deceptive; on first glance the paintings appear cheerful and almost childlike yet the subjects and themes explored are anything but simple.
We'd like to welcome you with $200.00 or more in exclusive monthly savings, a special 10% discount and a ton of tips, tricks and secrets for getting the best deals on First Nations Art. Claim this Free, no obligation gift by entering your first name and primary email here:
The usual subjects and themes explored in the Woodland school of art are aboriginal spirituality, legends and visions. When Morrisseau first introduced the style in the 1960s, his paintings of Ojibway traditional spiritual forms and stories upset many Ojibway people. They thought he was giving away secret knowledge that wouldn’t be held as sacred by unknowing viewers.
Morrisseau’s friend and apprentice, Carl Ray, later used the Woodland style to tell the world about the secret legends and stories of the Cree.
Art of Balance
One of the appeals of this art style for collectors is the spirituality emanating from the work. Like Feng Shui, the Japanese practice of balancing environments through design, Woodland style paintings send a balanced vibration into the atmosphere.Many of the works from the Woodland school of art also make a big impression. It is not unusual to see canvases by prominent Woodland artists measuring as large as thirty square feet! The Woodland school of art has not received the recognition many experts feel is its due. That, however, is changing. Today, the Woodland style and the artists who use it are becoming well known in many countries around the world. In addition, they are becoming better known in their own country. The Woodland school of art is even taught in Canada’s schools today.
Other artists working in this style include:
