Lot 2
FRANK HANS JOHNSTON, O.S.A., A.R.C.A.
Additional Images
Provenance:
Private Collection, Toronto
Note:
Franz Johnston's penchant for painting scenes of twilight and sunsets seem to indicate that he was a night owl. In Moon Path, as for any nocturnal scene, the challenge is always how to treat the lighting. Although the white orb of the moon isn't visible here, the clear beams of light that it casts are shining up from the little stream in the foreground. Without the moon to overpower them, the stars are able to shine through the trees along the top of the painting. Finally, the eye is drawn to the orange electric light over the door, guiding the viewer toward home and warmth.