Carl Schaefer (artist)

Carl Schaefer (1903-1995) was a Canadian painter and printmaker known for his depictions of rural Ontario landscapes and scenes of everyday life. Born in Hanover, Ontario, Schaefer studied at the Ontario College of Art under Group of Seven members Arthur Lismer and J.E.H. MacDonald.

Schaefer's work often focused on the effects of the Great Depression on farming communities in the 1930s and 40s. He portrayed the hardships and resilience of farmers through expressive brushstrokes and a muted palette, reflecting the economic and social realities of the time. He was particularly skilled at capturing the changing seasons and the unique character of the Ontario countryside.

His preferred medium was watercolour, but he also worked extensively in oil and lithography. Notable works include "Storm Over the Fields" and "Farm Near Hanover." Schaefer exhibited widely throughout Canada and internationally, and his work is held in numerous public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Canada and the Art Gallery of Ontario. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.