Robert Huffman, an established professional artist, has been painting the landscapes and towns of Canada for over 40 years. Born in Belleville, Ontario, and raised on a farm in Thurlow Township, Huffman attended a one-room public school before moving on to Quinte Secondary. His early life in rural Ontario laid the foundation for his deep connection to the Canadian landscape, a connection that has profoundly influenced his artistic journey.
Huffman’s paintings have often been compared to the works of The Group of Seven and Tom Thomson, iconic figures in Canadian art. He acknowledges their influence, noting that their art was the first Canadian painting he knew. “They had painted the country that became my own inspiration, and I was drawn to their direct approach to painting the landscape,” Huffman explains. The Group of Seven and Thomson’s practice of painting on location, often canoeing and camping in the bush, resonated with Huffman and inspired his own approach to capturing the Canadian Shield, a landscape once thought unpaintable.
Over the decades, Huffman has seen his perception of these landscapes evolve. Some of his best-received works depict the small towns and villages of Ontario, places that retain the feeling of an earlier time. “I think it is natural that we want to hold onto a sense of that era, and a painting is a way of doing so,” he reflects. This nostalgic connection to the past is a recurring theme in his work, which often captures the essence of these timeless locales.
Huffman’s distinctive style is characterised by bold use of colour and dynamic brushwork. While his work has clear ties to Thomson and The Group of Seven, he is also influenced by the broken brushwork and bright colours of Impressionism. This style has been a part of his work since he was young. “I have a small oil painting done when I was about twelve years old that already displays that approach,” he recalls.
After studying at the Ontario College of Art (now known as OCADU- Ontario College of Art and Design University), Huffman spent a decade working as a commercial artist in Toronto. This period was marked by the end of the avant-garde in art, with abstract expressionism and minimalism giving way to conceptual art. During this time, landscape painting seemed to be losing its place as a meaningful art form. However, Huffman’s experience in Toronto led to a determination to follow his own personal path, reinforcing his commitment to landscape painting.
Despite fluctuations in the demand for art, Huffman remains motivated by the challenges each painting presents rather than potential sales. “I am always trying to paint better pictures, and that can often be a struggle,” he admits. His dedication to his craft is evident in his continuous pursuit of improvement and his ability to find inspiration in the landscapes around him.
Huffman’s paintings often depict scenes from both rugged bush country and intimate villages. He has a deep connection to both types of landscapes. The fields and old farmsteads where he grew up were natural subjects for him as a young artist, and he has continued to return to them over the years. His father’s roots in Muskoka also influenced his love for the “Near North,” including the small villages and towns along the way. “Some of my earliest memories are of travelling through Algonquin Park to visit my grandparents in Huntsville,” he shares.
When it comes to his painting process, Huffman combines meticulous planning with a spontaneous approach. For the first twenty years of his painting life, he painted only on location (en plein air). Even though he now often uses photographs, his paintings still exhibit that early training working in front of the scene. His process usually involves a careful study of the subject, a loose blocking-in of the main structures, followed by a gradual refining of the image. Huffman tries to keep his initial concept in sight as he completes the work and paints on location from time to time to keep his palette true and fresh in colour. “I paint every day if possible,” he says.
Huffman often returns to certain favourite places, not only for their visual impact but because of their familiarity. This comfort allows him to relax and usually results in a great painting. He believes that the ability to properly observe the landscape is a skill that continues to develop over time.
In addition to his solo work, Huffman has been part of a community of artists. He met Lucy Manley and many other talented artists through the Eastern Central Ontario Art Association. Poul Thrane (June 1925 – March 2024), another fine artist from that group, was particularly generous to Huffman in his early days.
Ultimately, Huffman hopes that his attempts to interpret the landscape will resonate with people who have a similar affection for Canada. His art aims to create a connection between the viewer and the natural world, highlighting the beauty and significance of the Canadian wilderness. Through his work, Huffman continues to celebrate the landscapes and towns of Canada, sharing his unique perspective and passion with the world.
https://roberthuffman.ca/
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