Henry J. Simpkins, R.C.A.

Canadian , 1906 - 1995

Selected works
Biography
“Always striving to bring nature to life” - Henry J. Simpkins
Henry J Simpkins 1906-1995 studied at the Winnipeg school of fine art under Franz Johnston and Lemoine Fitzgerald who later joined the group of seven. In his early years Henry worked as a commercial artist in London then New York before returning to Canada as an illustrator for Grip and Batten.

He exhibited at the Royal Academy of Art and at the Montreal Art Association winning the Jessie Dow Price award for his watercolors in 1932 and 1934. A very prestigious award at the time the Dow Price award was the TOP award you could receive at the time in Canadian art. Henry was elected an associate member of the Royal Academy of Art in 1936 and became a full member in 1971.

Although Henry was famous for his watercolor he also did many oils and would not leave home without his sketch pad. He specialized in Quebec scenes, sugar shacks, horses, barns ad rural landscapes. An independent artist who was very successful when he exhibited in galleries such as Walter Klinkhoff, Continental, Masters, Manuge, Wallack, Wallace and The Kennedy Gallery in New York.

Studied at
Collections
Collector’s Dictionary of Canadian Artists at Auction, by A.Westbridge, Vol.4, pg. 26, Westbridge Pub., 2003;
Exhibition lists in R.C.A.A., pg.376
M.M.F.A., by E.McMann, pg.353
Exhibitions
Awards
Professional Activities
Publications