Kenneth Forbes facts for kids

Kenneth Keith Forbes OC RCA (born July 4, 1892 – died 1980) was a talented Canadian artist. He was known for painting both people (portraits) and outdoor scenes (landscapes). One of his famous paintings, Canadian Artillery in Action, can be seen at the Canadian War Museum.

Early Life and Art Training

Kenneth Forbes was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His father, John Colin Forbes, was also a very famous portrait painter. John Forbes painted important people like Prime Ministers William Gladstone and Wilfrid Laurier, and even King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.

Kenneth started learning art at the Newlyn School in Cornwall, England. He was so good that he won a special scholarship to study at the Hospitalfield House school in Scotland. Later, he won another scholarship in London and even had one of his portraits shown at the Royal Academy when he was only 19! Over his career, twelve of his portraits were displayed there.

Serving in World War I

In 1914, Kenneth Forbes joined the army, fighting in World War I. He was part of the 10th "Pals" Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. He was injured and gassed during his service. He became an officer and ended his combat time as second in command of the 32nd Battalion, Machine Gun Corps.

Because of his artistic talent, Kenneth became an official Canadian war artist in 1918. This meant he painted scenes from the war to record history. He was recognized twice for his brave service.

Artist and Boxer

Besides being an artist, Forbes was also a skilled amateur boxer! He was the light and middleweight boxing champion at the University of London while he studied art. He even continued boxing in the army, becoming the champion of his brigade.

In late 1918, Kenneth Forbes married Jean Mary Edgell, who was also an art student. They had a daughter named June.

Artistic Beliefs and Later Life

Kenneth Forbes believed strongly in traditional art, which he called "realist" art. He didn't like abstract or "modern art" that was becoming popular. In 1953, he left the Ontario Society of Artists because he felt they were giving too much attention to modern art. He did the same thing in 1958, resigning from the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.

He even wrote a book called Great Art to the Grotesque. In this book, he explained why he didn't think abstract art was as valuable. In 1958, Forbes and other artists who shared his views started a new group called the Ontario Institute of Painters. This group was for artists who preferred traditional styles.

Forbes won the Thomas R. Proctor Prize for his portrait paintings twice, in 1932 and 1939. In 1967, he received the Order of Canada, which is one of the highest honors in Canada. He was recognized "for his contributions to the arts as a landscape and portrait painter."

Kenneth Forbes passed away in Toronto on February 25, 1980.

Notable Paintings

Kenneth Forbes created many important paintings, especially during and after World War I, and many portraits of important Canadian figures.

See also

• Canadian official war artists
• War artist
• War art