In the Footsteps of the Group of Seven - Jim and Sue Waddington

In July of 1977, while on a canoe trip, Jim and Sue Waddington located the place that was the inspiration for one of A.Y. Jackson's painting.  This marked the beginning of a 36-year quest to find, document and photograph more of the special places chosen by A.Y. Jackson, Franklin Carmichael, Arthur Lismer, Lawren Harris, A.J. Casson, J.E.H. MacDonald, Frederick Varley and Tom Thomson.

The Waddingtons embarked on an artistic expedition that carried them across Canada from sea to sea to sea. Their search for the secret of the innovative spirit has resulted in this delightfully diverse book that brings the reader to the very spots where some of Canada's greatest art was conceived.

Richly illustrated with reproductions of the original artwork by the Group of Seven, and augmented with expressive text and absorbing photographs of the actual locations where these legendary paintings were created, the Waddingtons have created a journal of enduring images that document the lush landscapes, rugged countryside, and wondrous waters that help define us as Canadians. In the Footsteps of the Group of Seven explores and details the Waddingtons' adventures, inviting us to travel with them into the wild, woods, and rivers and come face to face with the allusive muses that enlightened and enriched this renowned group of artists.

Sue Waddington is a traditional rug hooker. Her rug-hooking designs have won awards in the Burlington Art Centre and from the Ontario Hooking Craft Guild. Jim photographed all of the locations for the book. The couple enjoy canoeing, camping, hiking, and the sport of orienteering. Although they have found some painting sites in cities and towns, they particularly enjoyed the search for those sites that may be reached only by canoe or by foot.

Softcover, 256 pages

Paperback, 256 pages.