Richard Dick Ferrier

Posted by Clio Websites on July 23rd, 2024

Richard (Dick) Ferrier was a Canadian artist born on May 29, 1929, in Oshawa, Ontario, and passed away in 2001. He was recognized for his artistic talent early on and received awards throughout his education at the Ontario College of Art, graduating in 1953 with the prestigious Gold Medal in Design.

Initially working in the commercial and graphic arts field, Ferrier garnered national acclaim and won numerous awards in advertising. He served as senior art director for MacLean Hunter Limited until 1970 when he decided to devote himself entirely to painting.

Ferrier held numerous successful solo exhibitions across Canada, including in cities such as Toronto, Burlington, Hamilton, Ottawa, London, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, and Vancouver, as well as in Northern Ontario summer galleries. His artistic journey took him to the Canadian Prairies, particularly the prairie provinces, where he found inspiration in the vastness, tranquility, and solitude of the landscape. He often captured these qualities through his paintings, influenced by his travels and his admiration for the Canadian Prairies' unique character.

While Ferrier was influenced by the Group of Seven, he also depicted other regions of Canada such as Ontario's Madawaska Valley and the Maritimes. His paintings were characterized by a deep connection to the land and a unique interpretation of landscapes, which art dealers and gallery attendees often described as evoking a sense of serenity and beauty.

Throughout his career, Ferrier's work received critical acclaim and he became known for his ability to capture the essence of Canada's diverse landscapes with a rich yet subtle use of color. His legacy as an artist continues to be celebrated for its contribution to Canadian art, particularly in portraying the prairies and other scenic regions of the country.