As I child I was, for some reason, attracted to this painting. It makes me feel safe

January 27, 2025

Hello Verna, 

Today I finally found (or should I say looked for) information about Clara Harris. A photo of my painting is attached. I knew the location was at the bottom of the Humber. My mom grew up in Baby Point on Brumell Ave (not far from 23 Valleyview) and married in 1946 or 47. The painting was a wedding gift from "someone well known" but I can't remember who. I think if it came directly from Clara my mom would have said so...or I have forgotten. 

So another painting found. As I child I was, for some reason, attracted to this painting. It makes me feel safe. And nostalgic for my childhood. I have a thing for winter. I am so glad my mom gave it to me.... considering she had 6 kids.  

Thank you for your attention to Clara’s work. 

Anne Marie M.

PS: I had the painting reframed by a man named Tom, I think, at Nicholas Framing. He did reframing for Governor general's, prime minister's, and other federal locations.

My answer:

Thanks for sending the photo of your painting and accompanying information.  I can see why you like the painting so much.  The brushstrokes are beautiful.  How do you know the location is the bottom of the Humber? I don't doubt it as Clara painted in that area. The scene captures old Toronto that's for sure with the old Ontario farmhouse and accompanying outbuildings.  The background reminds me of her painting, "Berry Road at the Bottom of the Humber" which is in the "Winter" section of her website.  https://www.claraharrisart.com/winter

The frame suits the painting well.

Can you send me the dimensions of the painting?  Also a photo of the back, as well as a close-up of Clara's signature? Is the painting on canvas or board?  If your painting's hung can you send me a photo of that too?  I would like to add this to Clara's archive. 

Anne Marie:

The painting is oil on board and there is paper on the back of the frame. I'm pretty sure the location is not written there. Btw, I didn't send more info re my Clara Harris because I didn't want to take it out of the frame for a better shot of the signature. Oh, and I suspected that the painting was from the Humber because I think I saw a similar painting online years ago?

Revisiting this painting again it’s a Clara classic! The sheen on the painting is beautiful. Probably because it’s on board. It would be ideal to have photos of the back to see the condition and if Clara identified the scene but I agree with Anne Marie that it’s probably the bottom of the Humber. The colours are so vibrant and the image is a strong rival to Clara’s “Berry Road at the Bottom of the Humber”. So many viewers at exhibits and on-line liked that painting the most. Now Anne Marie’s painting is a strong contender and a valuable contribution to this site.

Thank you, Anne Marie!