*Franz Johnston, Untitled (Mountain Farmhouse), Unknown, Oil on board.*

Frank (Franz / Francis) Hans Johnston, born on June 19, 1988, in Toronto and died in 1949, in Toronto. Johnston's association with the Group of Seven was relatively brief. He joined in 1920 and left in 1924 to pursue a more stable and financially secure career in art education at the Ontario College of Art. He changed his name from Frank to Franz in 1925.

When Johnston left the Group of Seven, he shifted his focus to working for department store art galleries, where he concentrated on achieving decorative effects, a pursuit that he continually refined. Franz had a background in commercial art and illustration. He moved to Manitoba and became the Principal of the Winnipeg School of Art. Johnston distinguished himself from many Canadian artists by achieving considerable financial success during his own lifetime. His solo exhibitions helped establish his reputation outside the collective identity of the Group, allowing him to be recognized for his individual contributions to Canadian art.

Franz Johnston was distinguishing himself from the rest of the Group of Seven by different ways:

Johnston's style diverged from the other members in its meticulous attention to detail and realism. While many of his peers focused on bold colors and brushstrokes to capture the essence of the Canadian landscape, Johnston's work was more subdued and precise. His use of light and shadow was particularly nuanced, lending his landscapes a unique depth and tranquility.
Johnston often depicted winter scenes and snow-covered landscapes, which were less common among his fellow Group of Seven artists. His ability to convey the serenity and stillness of winter environments set his work apart.
After leaving the Group of Seven, Johnston continued to exhibit his work independently and achieved significant success. His solo exhibitions helped establish his reputation outside the collective identity of the Group. His later works continued to evolve, reflecting his travels and experiences, further shaping his artistic journey and influence.