Artist AIMS "Belle Swartz" : Years of Study

1939- 1940 Canadian Commercial College Montreal.
Here Belle learned the skills to work in an office, shorthand, and typing, so she could pay her art tuition.
1940 Sir George Williams College Montreal, Belle studied under Mr. James McCorkindale from the Glasgow School of Art.
1941-1943 L’Ecole des Beaux Arts, Montreal, Belle completed 3 years Fine Art studies including wood engraving with Edwin Holgate, known as the ninth member of the Group of Seven.
1943-1946 Belle attended the Ontario College of Art,

graduating with a Commercial Art honour diploma. It was a pivotal time for Belle. Belle’s instructors included her Life Drawing teacher, Mr. John M. Alfsen A.R.C.A., O.S.A., who is represented in the National Gallery of Canada and the Arts Students League in New York. Mr. Emanuel Hahn R.C.A., S.S.C. a German born sculptor, Mr. John Martin a British specialist in textile printing, Mr. Rowley Murphy A.R.C.A., O.S.A., the official Royal Canadian Naval War Artist, Al Palmer, and Mr. Manly MacDonald A.R.C.A., O.S.A.

Belle studied Commercial Art, lettering and coloring with Group of Seven artist Mr. Franklin Carmichael for three years. Belle was a favorite student of Mr. Carmichael. Belle often visited his studio. He drove her home in his little grey Studebaker 2 to 3 times a week. Mr. Carmichael recommended Belle for her job at W. M. Collins Sons & Co. where she worked in the production department, 1944-1946 handling the art work, book production and advertising for the company. Together, Mr. Carmichael and Belle produced the “Thorn Apple Tree”, and “The Higher Hill” books, written by Grace Campbell and illustrated by Mr. Carmichael. Belle also helped produce John D. Robin’s book “The Incomplete Anglers.”