Bishops Harbour

About Bishops Harbour

This charming east coast scene was painted by Doris McCarthy, a key figure in Canada’s art scene for decades. (1910-2010) Known for her exquisite landscapes, this oil painting is set in a peaceful harbour--two fisherman work with nets on the docks near where a fishing boat and dories are moored. Several outbuildings and framed wooden houses dot the landscape—rocky outcrops and hills in the distance. The palette of soft pastel colours--blues, pinks, greens, gray and white adds to the serenity of the piece.

“I was strongly influenced by the tradition of going out into nature and painting what was there.
I bought it. And I still buy it.” Doris McCarthy

In the 1920’s, the Calgary born artist was awarded a full scholarship to the Ontario College of Art by the Group of Seven’s Arthur Lismer. McCarthy taught art at a Toronto High School while pursuing her own prolific artistic practice. She was the first woman President of the Ontario Society of Artists. McCarthy was a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario and was awarded several honorary doctorates including one from the University of Toronto. Doris McCarthy was renowned for both experimenting and contributing to major art developments in the 20th century. Her work is held in numerous private and public collections including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the National Gallery of Canada.