signed & dated
Note: English born, 18 year old Gissing arrived in Calgary in 1913, and spent the next 10 years
working at various ranches between Peace River and Mexico, while he sketched and drew. When Gissing made the decision to become an artist in 1923, art in Alberta was at its dawn, and limited to visiting artists. Through R. L. Harvey, Gissing was introduced to Leonard Richmond, a prominent British artist painting locally for the CPR. Impressed by Gissings work, Richmond gave Gissing his first formal instruction, encouraging him to work in pastels. Interest in art, and the art community itself, grew between 1926 and 1929. During this time, Gissing’s work impressed Ernie Richardson (of the Calgary Stampede & Exhibition), who granted Gissing a one-man show (to be held in February 1929 at the Calgary Public Library in Central Park). Gissing threw himself into his work that year, ultimately selecting 52 of his favourite pastels and watercolours for this show. The exhibit was received with such enthusiasm that a second exhibition was held later that year, by art dealer Jack Booth. Shortly following these early successes that launched his career, Gissing transitioned to oils, leaving behind only a few of his rare pastels works.
Reference: “Roland Gissing: The Peoples’ Painter”, Foran & Houlton, The University of Calgary Press; 1988
