Exploring Canadian Abstract Expressionism
Discover the profound works of Ray Mead (1921-1998), one of Canada's most intellectual abstract expressionists and founding member of the influential Painters Eleven group. His distinctive approach balanced sophisticated artistic theory with intuitive expression, creating what critics called "a dry-martini sort of art" that would influence Canadian modernism for generations. Mead's philosophy of thinking before drawing, combined with his embrace of creative "accidents," produced works of remarkable depth that preserve the evidence of the human hand while exploring the boundaries of abstract form.
Known for his distinctive high horizon line compositions and intellectual approach to abstract painting, creating what critics called "a dry-martini sort of art."
Founding member of Canada's groundbreaking Painters Eleven collective, which revolutionized abstract art in Canada and gained international recognition in the 1950s.
Works featured in prestigious institutions including the Art Gallery of Ontario, National Gallery of Canada, and Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal.
"I learned to think rather than draw, or to think before I drew, which is better." Mead valued discovery and incorporating "accidents" into his paintings, believing these unexpected elements brought life to his compositions.
Discover Ray's current inventory
Oil on Canvas
28" x 36"
Quiet spaces within the composition invite deep contemplation and introspective viewing.
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Mixed Media
24" x 32"
A contemplative piece that explores the quiet moments between day and night, rendered in soft, atmospheric tones.
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Mixed Media
32" x 40"
Abstract forms suggest the harmonious dance of planets and stars in the cosmic void.
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Acrylic on Canvas
40" x 32"
Controlled spontaneity creates a balance between order and chaos, reflecting life's complex patterns.
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Acrylic on Canvas
32" x 24"
Cool blues and whites evoke the serenity of cloudless skies and peaceful waters.
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Mixed Media
32" x 40"
A powerful representation of change and transformation, using layered textures and evolving forms.
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Acrylic on Canvas
40" x 32"
A powerful symbol of rebirth and renewal, rendered in bold, ascending forms.
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Acrylic on Canvas
30" x 40"
Exploration of horizon lines and their psychological impact, reflecting Mead's signature compositional approach.
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32" x 40"
Harmonious color relationships create a visual symphony, with each hue playing its part in the overall composition.
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30" x 36"
Fiery oranges and deep blacks capture the raw power and beauty of volcanic landscapes.
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36" x 48"
Towering forms suggest the majesty of ancient forests, creating a sacred space for contemplation.
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Oil on Canvas
40" x 30"
Bold, expressive brushstrokes capture the artist's emotional state and creative energy in abstract form.
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Watercolor
16" x 20"
A quiet, introspective piece that explores the beauty found in moments of solitude.
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Oil on Canvas
28" x 32"
Subtle harmonies of color and form create a meditative space for quiet contemplation.
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Mixed Media
32" x 40"
Repeated forms with subtle variations create visual rhythm, like musical themes with improvised variations.
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Watercolor
18" x 24"
Fluid watercolor techniques capture the ever-changing nature of water and memory.
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Oil on Canvas
36" x 48"
Forms emerge from the canvas surface, suggesting the birth of new ideas and creative possibilities.
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Mixed Media
30" x 30"
Angular forms and precise compositions explore the intersection of mathematical precision and artistic intuition.
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Oil on Canvas
36" x 28"
Misty layers of paint create atmospheric depth, inviting the viewer into mysterious spatial relationships.
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24" x 32"
Soft morning light filtered through abstract forms, creating a sense of peace and renewal.
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Oil on Canvas
28" x 36"
Light penetrates through abstract forms, creating passages of luminosity within darker compositional elements.
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Watercolor
20" x 24"
Soft, flowing watercolors create a sense of gentle movement and quiet conversation.
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Mixed Media
36" x 28"
Non-representational forms tell a story through color, texture, and compositional relationships.
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Oil on Canvas
30" x 40"
Bold reds and deep purples create an intense emotional landscape, speaking to the power of human passion.
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Oil on Canvas
24" x 30"
Calm, balanced composition that invites meditation and peaceful reflection.
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Oil on Canvas
28" x 36"
Luminous forms emerge from darkness, representing the inner light that guides us through challenging times.
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Mixed Media
20" x 28"
Subtle textures and muted colors invite the viewer to lean in and discover hidden meanings.
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28" x 36"
Dark, mysterious tones punctuated by bright highlights suggest a secret garden at midnight.
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Mixed Media
36" x 48"
Dynamic composition with explosive energy, representing the limitless potential of creative expression.
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Watercolor
18" x 24"
Warm autumn colors flow together in celebration of seasonal change and natural beauty.
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Watercolor
22" x 30"
Fluid watercolor techniques capture the natural flow of water and the currents of creative inspiration.
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Acrylic on Canvas
32" x 40"
Bold contrasts and energetic brushwork explore the dynamic relationships between opposing forces.
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Oil on Canvas
36" x 48"
A captivating exploration of organic forms and luminous color, this piece captures the essence of natural growth and transformation.
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Mixed Media
24" x 36"
Fragments of color and texture capture fleeting moments suspended in artistic expression.
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Acrylic on Canvas
30" x 40"
Dynamic brushstrokes create a sense of movement and energy, evoking the cosmic ballet of celestial bodies.
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Acrylic on Canvas
36" x 48"
Flowing, rhythmic forms capture the eternal dance of life, love, and creative expression.
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Acrylic on Canvas
40" x 30"
The rhythm and energy of city life translated into bold geometric forms and vibrant colors.
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Oil on Canvas
30" x 40"
Layered brushstrokes create depth and movement, echoing the passage of time through abstract forms.
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Oil on Canvas
28" x 36"
Warm golden tones create a sense of hope and possibility, capturing the magic of a perfect sunset.
InquireStay updated with exhibitions, publications, and discoveries about Ray Mead's work
A comprehensive exhibition showcasing Ray Mead's pivotal role in Canadian abstract expressionism opens this month, featuring 45 works spanning his entire career from 1948 to 1998.
Read More A scholarly publication examining the influence of Painters Eleven on contemporary Canadian art features an extensive chapter on Ray Mead's intellectual approach to abstract painting.
Read More Three significant paintings from Ray Mead's late period have been authenticated and will be included in the upcoming catalogue raisonné of the artist's complete works.
Read More
Ray Mead (1921-1998) was described by fellow Painters Eleven member William Ronald as "the most intellectual of the 11 of us." Working professionally as an art director at MacLaren Advertising while pursuing his artistic practice, Mead valued discovery and incorporating "accidents" into his paintings, believing these unexpected elements brought life to his abstract compositions. His work balanced sophisticated artistic theory with intuitive expression, creating what critics called "a dry-martini sort of art" that would influence Canadian abstract expressionism for generations.
Born in Watford, England in 1921, Ray Mead trained as a fighter pilot during WWII before settling in Hamilton, Canada after the war. His artistic journey began with formal training at the prestigious Slade School of Art in London from 1937-1939, where he developed the foundation for his later abstract work.
Mead's first public showing came at the Art Gallery of Hamilton in 1948, marking the beginning of a distinguished career that would span five decades. His transition from wartime pilot to pioneering artist reflected the broader cultural shifts of post-war Canada, as the nation sought to establish its own artistic identity distinct from European traditions.
As a founding member of Painters Eleven, Mead helped revolutionize Canadian abstract art in the 1950s. His distinctive style combined "simple childhood marks" with sophisticated execution, creating "paintscapes" with layered surfaces that preserved the evidence of the human hand. His love of black and white shapes with selective color accents produced works of remarkable depth and emotional resonance.
Today, his works are featured in prestigious collections including the National Gallery of Canada, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal. These institutions recognize his mastery of both restraint and expression, cementing his position as a pivotal figure in Canadian abstract expressionism whose influence continues to inspire contemporary artists.
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