Alberta Society of Artists, Society of Canadian Painter-Etchers and Engravers
Mary Annora Brown was born on a homestead near Red Deer, Alberta, and raised in Fort MacLeod, in Southern Alberta. Her father was a member of the North Western Mounted Police, and her mother was a schoolteacher. Annora also went on to teach, but after several years made the decision to attend the Ontario College of Art, where her instructors included Arthur Lismer and J.E.H. MacDonald. Upon returning to Alberta, in 1929, she taught at Mount Royal College in Calgary before returning to Fort MacLeod in 1931. Here, she taught handicrafts for the University of Alberta (Faculty of Extension). Then, between 1945 and 1950, she taught at the Banff School of Fine Arts.
Brown’s work was influenced by her surroundings in Fort MacLeod, and she was particularly interested in local wildflowers and plants. Unlike many other female landscape painters of this time, Brown’s work was not influenced by that of the Group of Seven, but rather reflected an earlier English style that was gentler in its approach. Her 1954 book “Old’ Man’s Garden”, combines her love of nature with her recollections of stories and legends from the Old Man River region; it is filled with the artist’s illustrations of flora and fauna. Brown travelled and hiked extensively in Alberta to capture wildflowers during the different seasons. Her knowledge of the subject was so extensive, that she was commissioned by the Glenbow Foundation to create 200 paintings of various species of Alberta wildflowers – after working three years to complete the assignment, she had created 500 works.
Annora Brown joined the Calgary Sketch Club and became the first female member of the Alberta Society of Artists. In addition to publishing “Old Man’s Garden,”, she produced illustrations for a number of children’s books. She showed her work with the Art Association of Montreal, the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour, the National Gallery of Canada and the Ontario Society of Artists.
ALBERTA WILD ROSES
gouache and watercolour on paper
9.5 x 13.5 in.
Sold for $ 1,872 – November 2020
WESTERN RED LILIES
gouache and watercolour on paper
9.5 x 13.5 in.
Sold for $ 1,638 – November 2020
YELLOW LADY’S SLIPPER
gouache and watercolour on paper
10 x 14 in.
Sold for $ 1,287 – November 2014
LIFE ON THE ISLAND; 1972
oil on board
25.75 x 22 in.
Sold for $ 1,150 – May 2007
BUNCHBERRY (CANADIAN DOGWOOD)
gouache and watercolour on paper
9.75 x 14.25 in.
Sold for $ 1,111.50 – May 2018
PINK COLUMBINES
watercolour and gouache on paper
10 x 13.75 in.
Sold for $ 1,092.50 – June 2008
We are always seeking works by Annora Brown to be included in future auctions.
If you are interested in selling with us, or wish to get our opinion of the value of your artworks, please contact us for an appointment to evaluate your artwork for auction.
Alternately, you can easily submit details of your artworks through our Request of Auction Estimates form.
Since 1983, Hodgins Art Auctions is your trusted source for buying and selling art by Annora Brown and other important Canadian artists.
We are always accepting consignments of quality Canadian & International art.
At Hodgins you will always be dealing with a knowledgeable partner in the company. We provide responsive and efficient service, transparency, and are committed to your satisfaction.
Annora Brown
MOSS CAMPION
gouache and watercolour on paper
10 x 13.75 in. (25.4 x 34.9 cm)
signed lower right
LOT: 168
Auction: 2022 September | Hodgins Art Auctions
Annora Brown
FOREST SCENE WITH BANEBERRY AND DEER
pastel on paper
12 x 18 in. (30.5 x 45.7 cm)
signed lower left
LOT: 170
Auction: 2022 September | Hodgins Art Auctions
Annora Brown
WESTERN RED LILIES
gouache and watercolour on paper
9.5 x 13.5 in. (24.1 x 34.3 cm)
signed lower right
Provenance: E. R. Lamm Art Gallery, Calgary AB
LOT: 197
Auction: 2020 November | Hodgins Art Auctions
Annora Brown
ALBERTA WILD ROSES
gouache and watercolour on paper
9.5 x 13.5 in. (24.1 x 34.3 cm)
signed lower left
Provenance: E. R. Lamm Art Gallery, Calgary AB
LOT: 193
Auction: 2020 November | Hodgins Art Auctions
Annora Brown
CONE FLOWER / SHOOTING STAR (CANADIAN WILDFLOWERS MINIATURE SERIES)
watercolour on paper (2)
each 4.75 x 3.25 in. (12.1 x 8.3 cm)
each monogrammed
Lot of Two
LOT: 379
Auction: 2019 May Online | Hodgins Art Auctions
Annora Brown
YELLOW LADY'S SLIPPER
gouache and watercolour on paper
10 x 14 in. (25.4 x 35.6 cm)
signed lower left
LOT: 197
Auction: 2019 December Online | Hodgins Art Auctions
Annora Brown
INDIAN PAINTBRUSH AND MUSHROOMS
gouache and watercolour on paper
10 x 14 in. (25.4 x 35.6 cm)
signed lower right
LOT: 198
Auction: 2019 December Online | Hodgins Art Auctions
Annora Brown
MOSS CAMPION
gouache and watercolour on paper
10 x 14 in. (25.4 x 35.6 cm)
signed
LOT: 224
Auction: 2018 May Online | Hodgins Art Auctions
Annora Brown
BLUE CLEMATIS
gouache and watercolour on paper
10 x 14 in. (25.4 x 35.6 cm)
signed
LOT: 226
Auction: 2018 May Online | Hodgins Art Auctions