Tobie Steinhouse
Tobie Steinhouse (born April 1, 1925) is a Canadian painter and printmaker whose work is closely tied to modernism and abstract expressionism, influenced by her time in Paris and her relationships with key artists. Born in Montreal, Quebec, 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 for the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1944 to 1945, also illustrating manuals for the Air Force during this time.
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 influence helped Steinhouse explore abstract expressionism, and this period, along with the one immediately preceding it, defines some of her best work. During this time, she became acquainted with other prominent artists, including Jean Paul Riopelle and Zao Wou-Ki, the latter being a now well-known Chinese artist.
While in Paris, Steinhouse exhibited in important salons, such as 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 and 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 The External Affairs Ministry of 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 may be attributed to her immense commitment to printmaking and her lack of self-promotion. She has never sought out the spotlight, which has limited her broader recognition.
Her legacy is defined by her international exposure and contributions to modernist art, leaving a lasting impact on the Canadian and international art scenes.
Lire davantageAfter 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 influence helped Steinhouse explore abstract expressionism, and this period, along with the one immediately preceding it, defines some of her best work. During this time, she became acquainted with other prominent artists, including Jean Paul Riopelle and Zao Wou-Ki, the latter being a now well-known Chinese artist.
While in Paris, Steinhouse exhibited in important salons, such as 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 and 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 The External Affairs Ministry of 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 may be attributed to her immense commitment to printmaking and her lack of self-promotion. She has never sought out the spotlight, which has limited her broader recognition.
Her legacy is defined by her international exposure and contributions to modernist art, leaving a lasting impact on the Canadian and international art scenes.
