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THE LARKE'S NEST
Nature & Landscape
This gallery presents the captivating nature studies of my great-grandfather, John Larke, whose artistic eye was drawn to the ever-changing beauty of both flora and landscapes. From vibrant flowers to sweeping vistas, his works reveal a profound sensitivity to the natural world. Often working en plein air, Larke immersed himself directly in the environments he sought to capture, allowing the light, texture, and atmosphere of each scene to guide his hand. Whether perched on a hillside, amidst a field of blooms, or observing vast horizons, his work reflects a deep reverence for nature’s fleeting moments. Through this collection, we celebrate Larke’s extraordinary ability to translate these ephemeral glimpses of beauty into timeless works of art.
Title: Abandoned Brick Works
Location: Cheltenham, Ontario, Canada
Date: 1976
Mediu1m: Pencil on paper, pc
Size: 12" x 8.5"
Book: 2
No details on the back*
Title: Log watering trough was installed here in 1876 Glen Cross in the lovely Hockley Valley. mono. Tp.
Location: Glen Cross, Ontario, Canada
Date: 1973
Mediu1m: Pencil/pen oil pastel on paper, PC
Size: 11.5" x 9"
Book: 1
No details on the back*
Title: Elora Gorge
Location: Elora, Ontario, Canada
Date: 1974
Mediu1m: Marker/pen/pencil crayon on paper over PC
Size: 11" x 8"
Book: 1
No details on the back*
Title: Phalaenopsis Doris
Showing in Etobicoke Greenhouse
Location: Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
Date: May 10/1981
Mediu1m: pen/pencil on paper
Size: 5" x 8"
Book: 1
Details on the back: May 10/81
Phalaenopsis Doris Beautiful Orchids on display in Etobicoke "Centenial" Greenhouse
Title: Snow capped "Golden Ears"
Location: Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
Date: 1975
Medium: Pencil/pen on paper
Size: 8.5" x 6"
Book: 1
Nothing on the back*
Title: Shannon Falls (drawn from memory)
Location: Squamish, British Columbia, Canada
Date: June, 7/ 1988
Medium: Pencil/pen on paper PC
Size: 11" x 8.5"
Book: 1
nothing on the back*
Title: Black Water by the roadside.
Location: Wellington City. Rd "35. Ontario, Canada
Date: Oct,13/1990
Medium: Pencil/pen on paper
Size: 11" x 8"
Book: 1
nothing on the back*
Title: South Lake Simcoe
Conservation Authority
Location: Lake Simcoe ,Ontario, Canada
Date: No date
Medium: Pencil/pen on paper
Size: 7" x 5"
Book: 1
nothing on the back*
Title: West from Kettleby, Ontario
Location: Kettleby ,Ontario, Canada
Date: March 12/ 1971
Medium: Pencil/pen on paper
Size: 9" x 6"
Book: 1 (SB # 2)
Details on the back: Mar 12, 71
"After a snow storm"
Looking west from Kettleby Ontario
On Aurora Side road , Region 16 Work
Title: Upended Roots Covered with Moss.
Location: Twp. of Uxbridge S.R. 10. ,Ontario, Canada
Date: July 17/85
Medium: Pencil/pen and marker on paper
Size: 9" x 6"
Book: 1 (SB # 3)
Note: one of the rare times a use of marker in his art.
Details on the back: July 17/85
Uprooted tree roots covered in moss.
Twp. of Uxbridge S.R. 10
Title: The very old and the very young.
Location: no location
Date: Dec . 28 . 1981
Medium: Pencil on paper
Size: 9" x 6"
Book: 1
Details on the back: Dec 28 1981
Title: Etobicoke
Park Wading Pool
Location: Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
Date: May 18/84
Medium: Pencil and Pen on paper
Size: 9" x 6"
Book: 1
Details on the back: Etobicoke Park Wading Pool May 18/84
Title: Hibiscus
Location: none
Date: none
Medium: Pencil and Pencil Crayon on paper
Size: 10" x 8"
Book: 1
Details on the back: Finger prints
Title: Spring's Awakening
Location: none
Date: none
Medium: Pencil and pen on paper
Size: 10" x 8"
Book: 1
Details on the back: Jan 18/86
Title: Winter Sunset
A chilly March evening
Location: none
Date: Mar. 14 / 81
Medium: Pencil, pen marker, watercolor paint on paper
Size: 10" x 8"
Book: 1
Note: One of the rare examples of paint and or water being added to blend the colors
Details on the back: Mar . 14 / 81
Title: By the roadside
Mullen Plants
Location: none
Date: Oct, 15 1985
Medium: Pencil, pen, Pencil crayon, on paper
Size: 10" x 8"
Book: 1
Note: this piece has a unique use of green fine tipped pen*
Note: You can also see a unique watermark on the paper. A unique opportunity to explore more thoroughly the type of paper Larke would utilize for his sketches.
Domtar
Krypton Parchment
100% flax cotton
This specific style of paper, 100% cotton flax part is high quality. Cotton papers, especially ones with flax, are often more durable and resistant to wear compared to regular paper, making them ideal for things like official documents, certificates, or high-end stationery.
Domtar is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was originally founded in 1848 under the name The Dominion Textile Company, and later transitioned into a major paper manufacturer. Its headquarters were in Montreal for many years, and they became a global leader in the production of paper and wood products.
​
Title: Quite by the stream
Location: 2nd Concession Newmarket Ont.
Date: July 29/1983
Medium: Pencil, pen marker, on paper
Size: 10" x 8"
Book: 1
Details on the back: July 29/83
By the quiet stream
2nd Concession Newmarket Ont.
Title: The Quiet road
Location: Herald Road, Ontario, Canada
Date: Sept, 1 /1983
Medium: Pencil, pen, on paper
Size: 10" x 8"
Book: 1
Note: In this drawing I noticed the use of two different brown pens. one more red, the other more purple.
The first I have noticed the two used in the same image*
Details on the back: July 29/83
By the quiet stream
2nd Concession Newmarket Ont.
Title: A Wintery Morning
Location: A wintery morning
Date: March 13. 1984
Medium: Pencil, pen, on paper
Size: 9" x 6"
Book: 1 (SB # 2)
Note: unique highlights in green pencil crayon
Details on the back: March 13. 1984
A Wintery morning An overnight snowfall on the 5th Conc. and Vandorf Side Rd.
Title: The Quiet road in Winter
Location: 5th Concession in Januray.
East Gwillimbury
Date: Jan 5 1984
Medium: Pencil, pen, on paper
Size: 9" x 6"
Book: 1 (SB # 2)
Note: unique highlights in green brown and blue pencil crayon.,
Details on the back: Jan. 5 1984
5th Concession in January. East Gwillimbury Ontario
Title: The Call of the Wild
Location: Handel, Saskatchewan
Date: 1923
Medium: Pencil, pen, on paper
Size: 8" x 10"
Book: 1
Note: This is the oldest sketch in the Nature and Landscapes section*
This is also the rare occasion Larke depicted an animal other than a bird in his work*
Title: Surviving
Location: No location
Date: Mar 1. 1992
Medium: Pencil, pen, on paper
Size: 8" x 10"
Book: 1
Note: This drawing, created during Larke's winter years in the early 90s, seems to capture the essence of his experience as an aging artist. It powerfully conveys a sense of determination and inner strength, reflecting the resilience he may have felt during that time. The image speaks to both his enduring commitment to his craft and the complex emotions tied to the later stages of his life.
Title: The Road Home
Location: No location
Date: 1992
Medium: Pencil crayon marker, on paper
Size: 8" x 11"
Book: 1
Nothing on the back*
Title: Autumn Sunset
Location: No location
Date: none
Medium: pen and pencil crayon
Size: 8" x 10"
Book: 1
Nothing on the back*
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