Definition
Harold Beament (April 19 1898 – April 30 1975) was a Canadian painter, illustrator, and muralist known for his depictions of maritime scenes, northern landscapes, and Indigenous subjects.
Overview
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Beament pursued formal art education at the Vancouver School of Decorative Arts and later at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. After serving in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World I, he settled in Montreal, where he became active in the Canadian art community. Throughout his career, Beament produced commercial illustrations for magazines and railway posters, notably for the Canadian Pacific Railway, and executed large-scale murals for public and private institutions. His work was exhibited in major Canadian galleries, including the National Gallery of Canada, and he was a member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Harold” derives from Old English Hereweald (“army ruler”). The surname “Beament” is of English origin, historically a variant of “Beaman” or “Beaumont,” meaning “beautiful mountain” in Old French. No specific etymological significance linking the name to his artistic practice has been documented.
Characteristics
- Subject Matter: Frequent focus on coastal and riverine environments, Arctic and sub‑Arctic terrains, and portrayals of Indigenous peoples in traditional attire.
- Medium: Primarily oil on canvas for fine‑art works; watercolour and gouache for illustrations and smaller studies.
- Style: Realist representation with a strong emphasis on atmospheric light and colour, combining detailed figuration with expressive brushwork.
- Techniques: Utilized plein‑air painting for landscapes; incorporated compositional elements suitable for poster art, such as bold contrasts and clear focal points.
- Public Works: Notable murals include the “Canadian Pacific Railway” series in various stations and a commission for the Department of National Defence.
Related Topics
- Canadian art history (20th century)
- Group of Seven (contemporaneous Canadian painters)
- Canadian Pacific Railway art and poster design
- Indigenous representation in Canadian visual arts
- Muralism in Canada
- Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour