Ottawa - National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada was a perfect place to unwind after meeting with many people and sitting through presentations. I stayed for 3.5 hours and enjoyed the visit.

I liked the walkway to the main level with incredibly tall ceilings, windows to the outside, and a blank wall on the inside. It was a great way to clear the mind and take a deep breath.

 There is a nice garden in the center of the building, that can also be used to take a break and steady the mind before diving in again.

 The displays are well orientated, well lit, and have an appropriate length in explanation text beside the works.

 This work was by an unidentified artist who painted a very accurate depiction of Mikmaw who inhabit the Maritime provinces of Canada. It was done in 1850.

 This is Laurentian Splendor by John A. Fraser in 1880. I really like the colours and calm tone of the work.

 This is Snow 2 by Lawren S. Harris in 1915. The layers of snow are expertly painted to give a realistic feeling of walking through the woods after a snowfall.

This is The Upper Ottawa near Mattawa by Franklin Carmichael in 1924. I quite like the way he painted the tree and rocks.

 This is Gleams on the Hills by J.E.H. MacDonald in 1921. The overlapping multi coloured forest around the hill and river are expertly done.

This is Vera by F.H. Varley in 1930. I like the way he painted this portrait.

I am not a fan of modern art but Ascending Forms by Bertram Booker in 1929 is an exception.

 The gallery has many many more paintings from all parts of the world as well as special exhibits and gatherings. When I left they were revving up a soiree for a film. I'd come back again in ten years with my wife to see what is new and revisit my favorites.