Biographies > Muriel E. Newton White

Muriel E. Newton White is perhaps the epitome of the pioneer northern artist. She was born in 1928 in Robillard Township near Charlton, Ontario. Her parents, who came from England in the early 20th century, were among the first pioneers of that area.

She has spent almost a lifetime recording in one way or another northern Ontario life. She has written and illustrated botanical books, books for children and on local history. She has worked in oils, acrylics, watercolour, egg tempera and India ink. She is adept at outdoor sketching, illuminating and mural painting. She has also volunteered extensively in the community and shared her skills by teaching. Her work, like the paintings and drawings in the TAG Collections are expressive interpretations of her northern home.

After taking her schooling through the Department of Education correspondence courses, Muriel received a scholarship which enabled her to spend four years at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto. She graduated in 1949 and since then lived in Charlton, Haileybury, Englehart and New Liskeard. Muriel’s art hangs in private and public collections all over North America, New Zealand, the British Isles, and Europe.