Review of Edmund Morris: Frontier Artist By Jean S. McGill and Land of Earth and Sky: Landscape Painting of Western Canada By Ronald Rees

Authors

Richard W. Etulain, University of New Mexico

Date of this Version

1986

Comments

Published in Great Plains Quarterly 6:4 (Fall 1986). Copyright © 1986 Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Abstract

In a brief, narrative biography of Edmund Morris, a Canadian artist of landscapes and Indians, Jean McGill describes the major events of his life and carrer. She is particularly factual in treating his educational experiences, his family and friends, and his varied, numerous paintings. Sometimes, however, these sections are little more than listings. Indeed, th~ unanalytical quality of this book is its major limitation. Often quoting the opinions of others, the author seems hesitant-almost unable-to put forth her critical reactions to Morris's life and works. Instead of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the paintings noted, she includes extensive commentaries from newspaper and other art critics.