Technique: Oil, pastel, charcoal
1911-2002
Stanley Cosgrove, an important figure in Canadian art, was born in Saint-Henri in 1911.
At 16, he was admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts in Montreal. From 1931 to 1936, he followed Mr. Charles Maillard's painting course there and obtained first prize and a medal. He continued the study of painting under the direction of Mr. Edwin Holgate at the Art Association of Montreal.
It was thanks to the generosity of Mr. Huntly Drummond, president of the Bank of Montreal, art lover and collector, that Cosgrove spent several months in Gaspésie to paint landscapes. In 1938, with Mr. Maurice Raymond, he participated in the decoration of the Saint-Henri church and the execution of the main fresco of the Canadian pavilion at the New York World's Fair. It was after this that he obtained a state scholarship to study in France. The outbreak of war led him to go to Mexico where he enrolled at the San Carlos Academy. In 1943, he became the assistant of the famous Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco, which was of capital importance in the development of the Quebec artist.
Cosgrove's paintings are mostly still lifes and landscapes filled with trees, to which are added portraits of women and nudes. Each period of the artist's life is marked by a difference in style. As the painter himself says: “Mexico is black and white, because of the strong sun.” The evolution of the 30s and 40s is marked by the influence of Matisse, Rouault etc. His favorite period remains the fifties, marked by the more personal, figurative style, but strongly concerned with the construction of the painting. As for the material, he maintains a particular affection for pastel and charcoal. His landscapes are remarkable for the quality of the compositions which provoke fascination and astonishment. These works give off a great impression of peace, harmony and serenity.
Honors
In 1951, Stanley Cosgrove was made an associate member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. In 1973, he was made a full member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.
Collections
His works are part of numerous corporate, public and private collections.
Exhibitions
His works have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums across Canada.