Girl Kneeling

About Girl Kneeling

It is a classic drawing in pencil. A young woman, nude, kneels, hands behind her head. She is looking away from the viewer into the distance, a solemn gaze.
Christopher Pratt, one of Canada’s most celebrated and successful artists rendered this piece. The proud Newfoundlander was known for his realistic paintings and silk screen prints. Pratt’s work has long been heralded for its clean lines, fine, exacting detail and powerful visual presence.

“…the bottom line really is that my work is the response to my life.” Christopher Pratt
"He's called a magic realist for a reason. You look at his paintings and it's almost as if they're looking back at you." Tom Smart, Gallery Director and author

Born in Newfoundland (193-2022), Pratt moved to New Brunswick to study pre-medicine at Mount Allison University. He became interested in the fine arts and abandoned medical studies, finally achieving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the 1950’s. He met his future wife, another fine artist, Mary West at Mount Allison. Pratt attended the Glasgow School of Art in 1957. In 1963, he left his job as a teacher and the curator of the Memorial University Art Gallery and painted full time. Pratt proudly designed the flag of Newfoundland and Labrador. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada and made a Companion of the Order. A member of the RCA, Christopher Pratt’s work was exhibited widely both nationally and internationally and can be found in many galleries including the National Gallery of Canada.