Evan Macdonald

Raised in Guelph, Ontario, Flora Macdonald Spencer taught art for thirteen years at Hillfield-Strathallan College (Hamilton). Now retired, she works in pastel and teaches drawing.Judith Nasby is the director of the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre, where she oversees one of the most comprehensive sculpture parks in Canada and a permanent art collection of over 4,000 works. She is also an adjunct professor in the School of Fine Art and Music at the University of Guelph.

• Evan Macdonald: A Painter's Life by Flora Macdonald SpencerRemembering Evan Macdonald Judith NasbyEvan Macdonald in Grey and Bruce Counties Stuart ReidDrawn from Life Flora Macdonald SpencerAcknowledgementsAppendix 1: PlatesAppendix 2: ChronologyAppendix 3: ExhibitionsAppendix 4: Convocation citation and addressBibliographyIndex

``A Painter's Life is a shot in the arm for any creative soul who feels blocked or uninspired. It's for those of us who, when staring at a blank screen or pristine canvas, point to our family or job as an excuse for our poor productivity. It's easy to relate to Evan Macdonald in this book. He too railed against the limitations of business and domestic life. The difference is that, instead of holding out for the perfect time and place to create, he took every opportunity to develop his craft. He also opened his mind to depicting the people and places that surrounded him. The result is a range of unpretentious works that reveal the artist's skilled hand and fresh vision. The story of Evan Macdonald reminds us to enjoy making art. And what's possible if just open your eyes, focus on what interests you, and get to work.'' -- Deb Davis, painter and writer (Guelph, Ontario) -- 200809