Ralph Wallace Burton was a well-known artist in Ottawa during the 20th century. He created numerous masterpieces, many of which are now preserved in the archives of Canada’s capital, displayed on the walls of City Hall and Parliament. His works can be found in galleries across the country and in private collections worldwide. His paintings truly celebrate the majestic beauty of Canada’s landscapes, seamlessly blending urban settings with nature. His artwork vividly captures the unique features of the Ottawa Valley. More on Ottawa1.one.
The Artistic Career of an Ottawa Painter
Ralph Wallace Burton was born in 1905 in the small town of Newington. From a young age, he displayed an exceptional talent for painting. As he grew older, he decided to dedicate his life to art. In 1923, he moved to Ottawa, where he studied art professionally for a year. Later, he travelled to Banff, where he continued his education at the Banff School of Fine Arts until 1947. There, he studied under the talented artist and teacher A.Y. Jackson. Over time, they developed a strong friendship, and Jackson had a significant influence on Burton’s artistic style.
For nearly twenty years, Burton and Jackson travelled across Canada, capturing nature, stunning landscapes, interesting buildings, houses, people, rivers, and more. They painted every place they visited.
In addition to travelling and painting, Burton lived in Ottawa and taught art. He was an excellent teacher and an incredibly talented artist. His work can be described as follows:
- He loved experimenting with colours, making his paintings vibrant and rich.
- His works were highly detailed—Burton had an exceptional eye for observation, capturing even the smallest details.
- His paintings had a rhythmic quality. He rarely used straight, rigid lines; instead, his works appeared lively, full of movement. This effect was achieved through his unique brushstroke techniques and masterful use of colour.
Despite his extraordinary talent and successful career, Burton occasionally had to seek additional work to support his family. At times, he worked full days, while at others, he took on part-time projects. He accepted commissions for calendars and Christmas cards and even used his artistic skills as barter for food, fuel, car repairs, and other necessities.
When World War II began, Burton joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He served for several years as an administrative officer in military art.
The Art of Ralph Wallace Burton
Ralph Wallace Burton was considered a plein-air painter, as most of his works depicted Canada’s natural landscapes. However, his collection also includes urban scenery. One of his most famous series is LeBreton Flats.
In the first half of the 20th century, LeBreton Flats was a working-class district in Ottawa. In the 1960s, the federal government purchased the land with plans to demolish the area and expand the city. Many viewed the neighbourhood as a slum that needed to be removed. But in Burton’s eyes, it was something entirely different. He saw it not as a run-down district but as a vibrant community filled with hardworking Ottawans.
Burton painted oil landscapes of LeBreton Flats in the presence of demolition crews. He was the artist who immortalized the historic district of Ottawa, capturing its last moments before it disappeared. The result was a striking series of oil paintings known as LeBreton Flats.
The heart of the talented artist Ralph Wallace Burton stopped beating in 1983. His legacy remains a vital part of Ottawa’s history and cultural heritage.