*Frederick H. Varley, For What, 1919, Oil on Canvas.*

Frederick Horsman Varley, was born on January 2, 1881 in Sheffield, England, and died in 1969, in Toronto. In 1912, under Arthur Lismer’s advice, he immigrated to Canada and worked in the same company: Grip Ltd. Varley saw art as a spiritual vocation and took interest in the figure as well as landscape, which is why he co-founded the Group of Seven.

Back in time, Varley served as an official war artist during World War I. He documented the horrors and aftermath of the conflict. This experience profoundly affected his work, introducing themes of suffering, resilience, and the human condition. His personal struggles, including financial difficulties and bouts of depression also influenced his art. In 1926, he became the Head of the Drawing and Painting Department at the School of Decorative and Applied Arts.

Frederick Varley, a founding member of the Group of Seven, distinguished himself from his peers through several key aspects of his work and personal style:

Unlike most members of the Group of Seven, who focused predominantly on landscapes, Varley had a significant interest in portraiture and figurative work. His ability to capture the human form and emotional depth set him apart. He brought a unique perspective to the group, emphasizing the human connection to the landscape.
His work is often characterized by a more emotional and expressive quality. His landscapes and portraits frequently convey a sense of mood and psychological depth, reflecting his interest in the inner life of his subjects. This expressionistic approach contrasted with the more literal and decorative styles of some of his contemporaries.
The use of color and light was distinctive. He often employed a vivid and dynamic palette, creating a sense of movement and energy in his paintings. His approach to color and light was more experimental and bold, contributing to the emotional intensity of his work.