Lilias Torrance Newton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lilias Torrance Newton
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Self-portrait, c. 1929
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| Born |
Lilias Torrance
November 3, 1896 Lachine, Quebec
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| Died | January 10, 1980 (aged 83) Cowansville, Canada
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| Education | Art Association of Montreal |
| Known for | Painter |
| Spouse(s) |
Frederick G. Newton
(m. 1921–1933) |
Lilias Torrance Newton RCA LL. D. (November 3, 1896 – January 10, 1980) was an important Canadian painter. She was a member of the Beaver Hall Group. Lilias Newton became one of Canada's most famous portrait artists in the 1900s.
Early Life and Art Training
Lilias Newton was born in Lachine, Quebec. This town is a suburb of Montreal. Her parents, Alice Mary Stewart and Forbes Torrance, were well-known in Montreal. Her father was part of a group called the Pen and Pencil Club.
It is believed that an old sketchbook belonging to her father first inspired her to become an artist. She went to Miss Edgar's and Miss Cramp's School. There, she was taught by the artist Laura Muntz Lyall.
When she was 16, Lilias left school. She began taking classes at the Art Association of Montreal. In her first year, she won a scholarship for her art skills. Later, she studied art in London with Alfred Wolmark. She also learned from Alexandre Jacovleff in Paris.
Painting Career and Famous Works
During the First World War, Lilias Newton worked for the Red Cross in England. In 1922, she received an honorable mention at the Paris Salon. This was a very important art show.
She helped start two art groups: the Beaver Hall Group and the Canadian Group of Painters. These groups were important for Canadian art.
Lilias Newton is most famous for her portraits. She painted over 300 portraits during her career. In 1957, she painted portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. She was the first Canadian artist asked to paint them. Her portraits are known for showing the feelings and thoughts of the people she painted.
Her artwork can be seen in many museums across Canada. These include the National Gallery of Canada and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Lilias Newton was recognized for her talent. She became an Associate of the Royal Canadian Academy in 1923. In 1937, she became the third woman to be a full member of the Academy. She also taught art at her old school, the Art Association of Montreal. The University of Toronto gave her an honorary degree for her achievements.
Personal Life
In 1921, Lilias married Frederick G. Newton. They had one child. They later divorced in 1933.
Lilias Newton continued to paint until 1975. That year, she fell and broke her collarbone, which made it hard to paint. She passed away in Cowansville, Quebec, in 1980, at the age of 83.
