IT'S AUTUMN, MR. PHILLIPS
The Tudor-style Pavilion in Assiniboine Park is an iconic Winnipeg structure. Growing up near the park I would spend many leisure hours riding my bike in the area.
The scene is painted from the cricket pitch facing north. The park is home to an abundance of old twisted oak trees which burst into colour in the fall. The Pavilion is home to one of Winnipeg's best kept secrets as it contains a wonderful Walter Phillips art collection.
Walter Phillips moved to Winnipeg from Britain in 1913 and resided there for several years before moving to Calgary then Banff to teach at the Banff School of Fine Arts. Although he is known most for his block prints, I admire him as one of Canada's best watercolour artists.
Several of his best works are displayed in the Pavilion. I am sure Walter also admired the Winnipeg fall colours, hence this piece is titled "It's Autumn, Mr. Phillips".