Tobie Steinhouse

Tobie Steinhouse (born April 1, 1925) is a Canadian painter and printmaker whose work is closely tied to modernism and based on light and atmosphere. She was influenced by her time in Paris and her relationships with significant artists. Born in Montreal, Steinhouse first earned a diploma from Sir George-Williams University in Montreal (now Concordia University) in Engineering Drawing. After graduation, she worked as a draughtswoman, designing Anson warplanes and illustrating manuals for the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1944 to 1945.

After the war, Steinhouse pursued her passion for art, earning a scholarship to attend the prestigious Art Students League of New York, where she began her formal art education. Following her time in New York, she continued her studies at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, immersing herself in the vibrant European art scene.

In Paris, Steinhouse worked closely with her mentor and teacher, Arpad Szenes, a Hungarian-born abstract painter. His guidance played a key role in Steinhouse’s exploration of the modern approach to painting, a direction that profoundly shaped her artistic development. This period, along with the one that preceded it, defines her most significant work in oils.  During this time, she became acquainted with other prominent artists, including Jean Paul Riopelle and Zao Wou-Ki, the latter being a well-known Chinese artist.

While in Paris, Steinhouse exhibited in important salons, including the Salon d'Art Libre and the Salon d'Automne, gaining recognition in the modern art world. Upon returning to Canada, she became the last president of the Canadian Group of Painters. She was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1972.

Steinhouse’s work is represented in major collections across Canada and internationally, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Montreal Contemporary Art Museum (Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal), the Confederation Centre Art Gallery, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Her work can also be found in the collections of Global Affairs Canada, The Canadian Embassy in Moscow, and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

Steinhouse’s paintings are celebrated for their abstract textures, muted colors, and sensitivity to light, with her work continuing to be showcased in prestigious galleries and collections. Despite her significant contributions, she remains relatively unheralded, which in part is to be attributed to her modesty, as well as her lengthy commitment to printmaking. We are especially pleased to shine a spotlight on her and add to her recognition.

Tobie's legacy is defined by her international exposure and contributions to modern art, leaving a lasting impact on the Canadian and international art scenes.