Some of Maud Lewis’ finest work appears in the Christmas cards that she created early in her career. Greetings from Maud begins with a set of pen and ink cards with Maud’s personal, hand-written greetings to family and friends. The remaining watercolours, with the simple ‘Lewis’ signature on embossed card stock, were intended for commercial distribution, what today we would call a “micro-business.”
As her arthritis worsened, Maud’s style changed, and she shifted to larger-format oil paintings on pulpboard. These sustained her career until she died in 1970.
These scenes of idyllic life by one of Canada’s national treasures are a wonderful way to celebrate the coming of winter.
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is grateful to the private collectors who have loaned their works for this exhibition.
This year, the gallery is decorating a Christmas tree inspired by a painting entitled Max. That tree featured rustic, hand-made ornaments, including elongated candy canes and deep blue stars, reflecting Maud’s own design flare – whimsy with a sense of humour.
