Introduction

 

Anne Isabelle McQuire Swartz (Belle), was a prodigious Canadian Artist. 

Belle was born in Parry Sound and moved to Montreal as a young girl, where she was inspired by the artists in Montreal including Paul Emile Borduas, Riopelle, and Jean McEwen. Belle studied under the celebrated Scottish artist James McCorkindale at Sir George Williams College in Montreal which became Concordia University in 1941.  As an art student at L’Ecole dex Beaux Arts in Montreal she studied wood engraving with Edwin Holgate, known as the ninth member of the Group of Seven.  Belle then studied at the Ontario College of Art, in Toronto, in its peak under the direction of celebrated Group of Seven artist Franklin Carmichael who was her teacher and close friend.  Belle and her husband Hugh, also an art major at the O.C.A. were greatly influential to Harold Town of the Group of Eleven, who visited their art studio weekly for inspiration.  Belle’s desire for knowledge was furthered during 2 years of courses with Dr. Louis Leakey.  As well as hosting many solo Toronto Gallery Art Exhibitions and teaching Art at Humber College, Belle was the Vice President of Windsor Art Studios Ltd., a very successful Commercial art company.