Alison Newton

Alison Newton, a celebrated Scottish-born Canadian artist, was known for her vibrant landscapes and heartfelt depictions of immigrant cultures in Canada. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1890, Newton's artistic journey started at the tender age of ten at the Trinity Academy, and later the Art School of Edinburgh. Her family's emigration to Manitoba, Canada, in 1910, brought new opportunities and challenges that shaped her artistic perspective.

Newton began her career illustrating for Eaton’s and Brigden's, where she brought fashion catalogues and advertising to life. Her unique style caught the eye of the industry, and she soon found herself attending the Winnipeg School of Art between 1916-1917 and 1923-1925. During this time, she studied under renowned teachers such as Alexander J. Musgrove, LeMoine FitzGerald, Frank Johnston, and Walter J. Phillips, whose influence helped shape her expressive landscape painting.

In 1916, Newton married Stanley Newton, adding another facet to her life and work. Her passion for art saw her win a gold medal for the best landscape painting of Manitoba in 1929, awarded by Eaton’s at a Winnipeg Sketch Club exhibition. She exhibited widely across Canada, and her painting "Grading Onions" was proudly displayed at the National Gallery of Canada in 1932.

Newton's love for her adopted home was evident in her frequent paintings of East Kildonan and Lake of the Woods. She had a keen eye for unique architecture, with St. Luke’s Church being one of her subjects. Her work also championed cultural diversity, capturing the life and stories of various immigrant communities in Canada.

She held key roles in multiple art associations, serving as the President of the Manitoba Society of Artists from 1943-1945 and as an Honorary President of the Canadian Federation of Artists in 1946. Newton also represented the Canadian Arts Council as a delegate, extending her influence in the art community.

In 1952, Newton relocated to Toronto, Ontario, where she continued to create until her death in 1967. Her life and work were celebrated in the 2013 exhibition "Herstory: Art by Women in The University of Winnipeg Collection" at Gallery 1C03 at the University of Winnipeg. Alison Newton's legacy remains a testament to her passion for art, her love for Canada, and her desire to capture the diversity and beauty of her world.

Sources:

http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/newton_ahl.shtml

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alison_Houston_Lockerbie_Newton