Paul Rodrik and Franz Johnston

Despite adopting a different last name, Rodrik had a close relationship with his father. Rodrik learned the art of painting from Franz and took many sketching and painting trips with him throughout Quebec and Ontario. The last major trip they took was in 1946. They trekked together into Northern Ontario.

Franz Johnston* died in 1949. He had wanted to travel to Labrador and paint the landscape there, but was unable to do so before he died. After his father's death, Rodrik set out on the route himself. He suffered mechanical breakdowns and personal illness and had to be flown to hospital before the trek was through. The journey must have been both emotionally tolling and cathartic for Rodrik. Upon his return he painted a series of inspiring landscapes.

*Franz Johnston was a member of the Group of Seven. Read more about him at the National Gallery of Canada's website.

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