EXHIBITION

Homer Watson: Force of Nature  

Tom Cayley: Force of Personality

Both Homer Watson and Tom Cayley – the only artists to own this historic house – covered its walls with their paintings and filled its rooms with the warmth and force of their personalities. I feel they would have been friends, had they met.  

Ruthe Cayley  

Homer Watson’s admiration of the natural world is evident in every painting, and Tom Cayley’s focus on portraiture and caricature demonstrates his love of people and sense of humour. Both artists explored their place in Doon through their artwork.  

Tom’s expressive portraits demonstrate the effect of an individual’s force of personality within their community. Homer’s powerful landscapes demonstrate the force of nature on the individual. Though their subject matter differs, they are united in their zest for life.  

This exhibition includes new pieces in the HWHG collection and pieces from private collections. It is a unique opportunity to see the artwork of two of the most prolific artists to live in the Homer Watson House on display.  

Sep 13 – Nov 3, 2024

Opening Reception
Sun, Sep 15th, 2024
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Tom Cayley with Homer Watson bust. Royal York Magazine, August 1970.
Tom Cayley with Homer Watson bust. Royal York Magazine, August 1970.
Homer Watson "Untitled (Wind Blown Trees) c1900. Oil on Board. HWHG Permanent Collection.
Homer Watson "Untitled (Wind Blown Trees)" c1900. Oil on Board. HWHG Permanent Collection.
Tom Cayley "Untitled (Mennonite Man)" 1971. Pastel on Paper HWHG Permanent Collection
Tom Cayley "Untitled (Mennonite Man)" 1971. Pastel on Paper HWHG Permanent Collection
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The Loch Doon area was memorialized in celebrated Scottish poet, Robert Burns piece “Ye banks and braes O’ bonnie Doon”

Ye banks and braes o’ bonny Doon,
How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair?
How can ye chant, ye little birds,
And I sae weary fu’ o’ care?
Thou’lt break my heart, thou warbling bird,
That wantons thro’ the flowering thorn:
Thou minds me o’ departed joys,
Departed, never to return.

Aft hae I rov’d by bonnie Doon,
To see the rose and woodbine twine;
And ilka bird sang o’ its love,
And fondly sae did I o’ mine.
Wi’ lightsome heart I pu’d a rose,
Fu’ sweet upon its thorny tree;
And my fause lover stole my rose,
But, ah! he left the thorn wi’ me.

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