The-Gallery
The Gallery
Canadian Artist Dr. William G. Hobbs
Chapman, British Columbia, Canada
"I must save the history of this wonderful place. When I stepped off the train in 1959, I had never seen open spaces like the prairies where trains define the landscape. The light forced me to paint. I had to capture it. I had to preserve it. You have to live here 20 years to understand it. I only know after nearly 50 years on the prairies. I have almost captured the storms, the light, the skies, and the snow. Trains and painting are my life. I must paint all the stations west of the Hudson Bay or the history will be lost."
-- William
I have a Hobbs railway painting. It is named "Snow Jam" A painting of Killarney Manitoba railway station in winter. Depicting a railway engine snowplow puffing away at plowing the track. There is no date. The paining is fully mounted in a wood frame and glass. 34 x 29 inches.
I live in California at present. But most of my life was lived at Killarney Manitoba; from 1927 until 1965. I was always fascinated by those huge C.P.R. engines which passed through town twice a day. We met the 4 PM passenger every Saturday in winter, westbound from Winnipeg carrying the Winnipeg Free Press so to get a quick start home by sleigh in the early darkening winter days.
At 5 years old, I could be found firmly planted on the edge of the station platform every Saturday to greet those monster's as it came in.
Carlyle, Saskatchewan
Painted 2010
One of the few things in life that a person continues to improve in is painting. Every year, Hobbs refines his skills. In his words, he has completely changed his style. He has just finished his best work.
Crystal City, Manitoba 2011
Holland Manitoba
Summer 2010 Cover
Dear Dr. Hobbs,
You have no idea the thrill I had when I accidently hit "Gainsborough" on the Google Earth Program and your paintings appeared. They captured a time and place which will never happen again. And the trains were exciting. That 40 below street scene in Gainsborough made me feel the sharp bite of cold air and the crisp squeak of frozen snow beneath ones shoes. You have made a wonderful contribution to the history of the prairies. ...
Neil Thompson
Hello Dr. Hobbs,
I would like to place an order for a print of "Forty Below Zero" (in Gainsborough Saskatchewan of the city street).The print you sold me for Christmas for my father was a big hit-he was completely speechless, it was a very memorable
moment.
Thank you kindly,
Andrea Busby
Richland, Washington, USA
If you are from Saskatchewan contact JOHNGBEESON@GMAIL.COM and if you have a good story to share we will sell you one of the final few prints for $50 . Otherwise, I'm afraid we are sold out. Any proceeds go to the preservation of this art.
Sidney, Manitoba
Hobbs' new style is like a rebirth of his art. This painting has a black sky
with stars. One must view it in person to appreciate it.
"If you love to paint you cannot be kept down. I love to paint"
Royal Visit Manitoba circa 1970
CN La Broquerie, Manitoba
Commission Painted June 2009
click on image to enlarge
Winnipeg Free Press Article Click Link below
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/painters-work-fit-for-visiting-monarch-96125504.html
Read about the Melville painting at the very bottom
Brandon Heritage Series No. 7
Commission August 2009
McGuire Collection
The painting is of the Brandon, Manitoba, Great Northern station. The GN line ran from Churches Ferry ND to Brandon from 1906 until 1936. The GN ran a passenger train to Brandon daily (except Sunday) for this period of time. The train to Brandon was Number 209 and it is this train in front of the station. Around 1930 in order to cut costs, the steam passenger train was replaced by a self propelled Gas Electric car, which was capable of pulling another coach if the traffic called for it. In the background is a GN steam locomotive which would have been working as the Brandon Yard engine.
The time is the early 1930's.
Gorlitz, Saskatchewan
"Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Station in Saskatchewan circa 1915"
On linen, Painted 2009
The pastel colours show the happy times as the train departs leaving provisions for all.
Fairfax, Manitoba
Canadian Pacific Railway in Manitoba circa 1910
Collection of Samson Engineering Inc.
Painted 2009
Regina, Saskatchewan 1892-1911
Destination of Dreams
Canadian Pacific Railway Station
for sale contact Wallace Zbitnew Regina, Saskatchewan
Collection of Ms. Wallis Zbitnew
Commission 2008
Gainsborough, Saskatchewan
2008
Brandon, Manitoba
The Empress Leaving Brandon 2008
Collection of Samson Engineering Inc.
Gorlitz is Snowing
2009 Sold
Painted during the very cold winter of 2009. The black sky and the little dog turned away from the viewpoint, perhaps reflect the mood of the Artist during a bitter cold winter. The winter was a particularly long and difficult winter for the Artist living in Brandon, Manitoba. If you click on the image you'll see the snow falling and perhaps you'll see the Native shivering in his Hudson Bay blanket.
Carnduff, Saskatchewan
click on image to enlarge
The Canadian Pacific circa 1930's
Commission 2008 for Mr. Brian Avery
"One little secret of the CPR station in Carnduff has fascinated me for years. There was a trapdoor in the freight shed floor. Below a small space had been dug out and there was a wooden cabinet. My father felt that it had probably been used in the rum-running days when Carnduff was one of the distribution points for alcohol to supply the USA during prohibition. Alcohol may have been stored temporarily below the trap door and boxes could have been piled over the trap door. This is a very distinct possibility considering the amount of alcohol that apparently moved through Carnduff to the USA." -- Brian Avery from a Railway Family
Old Case Steam Tractor 2007
Underhill, Manitoba
Private Commission
I recall my Dad saying this painting was extremely challenging because the buyer wanted the family tractor and her father in the painting in front of her hometown. It is a masterpiece!
The Trespasser
Komar Family Collection, Winnipeg, Manitoba
(30x40) Painted in 2006
Wow! The juxtaposition of the Engine and the little barking dog is thought provoking.
Reston, Manitoba 2007 SOLD
Wauchope, Saskatchewan
Komar Family Collection, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Painted 2008
October 20, 2008
KEY "M' AUCTION NEWS FLASH
Dellan Mohrbutter of Key "M' Auction sells first print of Wauchope railroad station painted by Dr. William Hobbs for $1800.00 Dellan Mohrbutter of Key "M' Auction sells first print of Wauchope railroad station painted by Dr. William Hobbs for $1800.00 dollars at annual Health Foundation Fundraiser Oct 18-2008. Buyer was long time resident and prominent business man Emil Dangstrop. This is the second year running that a Dr. Hobbs print has topped this Fundraiser.
Swan River, Manitoba
by Prairie Artist William Hobbs
Painted 2007, Private Collection (commission)
Cannington Manor, Saskatchewan
"Didsbury"
The Birthplace of Western Canada
by Saskatchewan Artist William Hobbs
Painted May 2007 sold
As seen in Dr. William Hobbs's painting; front protective panels were draped from the yoke of the harness. Not only were these panels implemented to keep the horse's chest warm, but the decorative touch was designed in accordance with the strict dress code of the "Didsbury Equestrian Set". These warming panels were an invention of the Beckton's stable. Read more about the gentlemen's horse races and the very tall trainer the Beckton's employed.
Fairfax, Manitoba sold
by Train Artist William Hobbs
Komar Family Collection, Winnipeg, Manitoba
THE ALMIGHTY!
7 ENGINES FOR THE BIG PUSH
by Canadian Artist William Hobbs
Painted July 2007
This painting shows the chief looking at the train. The Chief was the most mighty in his band, but now he knows his wisdom and strength are no match for train. A million thoughts race through his mind. His dog barks a warning to the beast. Life would be forever changed.
Kemnay
Prairie Artist William Hobbs
Painted 2008
Wawota, Saskatchewan
Prairie Artist William Hobbs
100 Year Anniversary Painting 2008. Print proceeds will go to Wawota Health Center to help buy a machine that warms blankets.
Lylton
Prairie Artist William Hobbs
Painted fall of 2007
Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
Manitoba Artist William Hobbs
Painted 2007
Morden, Manitoba
Painted 2007 SOLD
On show Focal Point Vision Care, Boundary Trails Place, 32 Stephen Street, Morden
The Morden railway station is a similar design to others that were found across southern Manitoba locations including Boissevain, Hartney, Virden and Winkler. The Morden train station was designed by Ralph B. Pratt in 1899. Building of the station began in 1905, but construction was delayed until 1906.
The station was in operation until the late 1960s and was moved to the museum grounds in 1972.
Part of talk at book launch (Sept. 2007)
" I would like to thank Dr. William Hobbs, who painted this wonderful picture for the cover of my book. Early into my research of station styles I became aware of the paintings of Dr. William Hobbs. I finally telephoned him and I said " I see that all of your stations are painted sitting on snowy ground or barren ground. Are you aware that most of the stations had gardens around them?' He said he was but he had never seen any good pictures of station gardens.I told him I was writing a book about station gardens. Dr.Hobbs was ecstatic and so encouraging. I asked him if he ever painted the Kennedy station, he said no, but he had practiced at Wawota, and he was familiar with Kennedy,etc. I said that Kennedy was my hometown, that the tracks were gone but the station and remnants of the garden are still in tack,rather unique. I commissioned him to paint The Kennedy Station which I thought I might use in my book about the Kennedy station gardens, but when Dr. Hobbs sent me a picture of the painting, it was an instant decision to use it for the cover for my book.
Now- this is one book that I think you may judge by it’s cover!
Shirley Harris
Morris
Painted 2007
"Forty-one Below Zero"
Storthoaks, Saskatchewan
A chilly prairie railway station!
Painted in December 2006
"Dominion Sunrise"
CN Terminis Calgary, Alberta
Alberta Railway Station
Circa 1910
(painted 2006)
The train reversed to exit the terminis, up the Bow River. The painting reflects the boom times in Alberta's industrial era -- see the Oilman walking into the station. This is Hobbs' finest work and this image does not do the painting justice.
Bellis, Alberta
Ukranian Cultural Heritage Village
See the lady with the scarf
Painted November 2006
Komar Family Collection, Winnipeg, Manitoba
South Africa's First Train, Private Collection
Commission
Brandon Heritage Series, No. 5
Brandon, Manitoba
24 X 36 on linen canvas 2006
original SOLD
Brandon Heritage Series No. 6
Brandon, Manitoba
A Beautiful Manitoba Railway Station
30 X 40 on linen sold 2006
The Brandon Heritage Series is a Major Work of Hobbs painted from 2000 to 2006.
Brandon Heritage Series, No. 4
"The Summit of Steam"
The Prince Edward Hotel Brandon
Size: (30X40) 2005
Cohn Family Collection
This beautiful hotel was the finest one West of Toronto. The guests waved from their balconies as the train departed. Sadly, it was torn down. See the romance of the Steam Era reflected in the lovers in window.
Morden, Manitoba
Bobby Curtola's private collection, 2005
(click on image to enlarge)
Winnipeg Beach Station
Winnipeg, Manitoba
FREE SCREEN SAVER **
**The Artist gives you his permission to download Winnipeg Beach
24X36 on Belgium linen 2006 sold
Dominion Sunset
Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
Private Commission, Oct. 2006
Moonlight Express
Mixed media on linen canvas SOLD
Description: In the late 1890's, this train travelled over the lonely prairies. Its whistle and its bell the only sound with the clatter of the wheels in harmony with a lonely coyote. It had the mail and news, money, and a few passengers in the back. If the train arrived in winter on the night of the full moon the farmers gathered at the station awaiting the arrival. The cow-catcher snow plow was essential to the trains on the prairies. The buffalo liked to stand on the tracks and block the train. It was impossible to keep the buffalo off the tracks, but by this time, they had been wiped out by the buffalo bounty the railroad companies had to use to run the trains.
Artist's Comments: The train brought life to the lonely prairie. I love the play of light on the snow, water and moon. The colour change is minimal, but it's subtlety sweeps the eye across the snow and into the sky. The warmth and speed of the train make the painting great.
Carnduff, Saskatchewan
Private Commission 2008
Can you see the artist in the painting?
Rico Station SOLD
Rio Grande Southern
Rivers, Manitoba
Macoun Elevator
Gainsborough, Saskatchewan
"All That's Left"
Melita, Manitoba, Prints for sale
Huntsville Railway Dock
CN Rail Station
Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
Size: (20X30); 2004
Cohn Family Collection
Gainsborough, Saskatchewan,
CPR Railway Station, Actual Station Fully Restored by Hobbs
Pipestone, Manitoba
Collection of Samson Engineering Inc.
Painted 2007 SOLD
more
Hello Dr. Hobbs,
I would like to place an order for a print of "Forty Below Zero" (in Gainsborough Saskatchewan of the city street).The print you sold me for Christmas for my father was a big hit-he was completely speechless, it was a very memorable
moment.
Thank you kindly,
Andrea Busby
Richland, Washington, USA
Esterhazy, Saskatchewan
Komar Family Collection
The Esterhazy Flour Mill was declared a national historic site on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Ninga Station, Manitoba
Ridgway, Colorado, U.S.A. SOLD
Rio Grande Southern #20
Souris, Manitoba
On Display Hillcrest Museum
Shilo, Manitoba SOLD
Teaming Wheat to Elevator
Manitoba
16X20 original on linen SOLD
Description: This prairie scene shows the struggle of the prairie pioneer taking his harvest to the market on the first sunny day after an inevitable early fall blizzard. The scene is whimsical because in the lonely cold prairie the towns are bustling with optimism. Turning the crop to cash and getting ready to join in a nice hot fowl supper after the wheat is gone East for processing.
Artist's Comments: I could feel the cold run down my spine as I painted this in the attic of my old house in Manitoba as I heard the wind seeping in through a crack. I decide to let the cold in so I could feel the suffering of the early settlers as they fought to survive the unforgiving, relentless prairie wind that never seems to end.
Milford Trestle Bridge, Prints Available
North West Mounted Police on horseback near Wawanesa, Manitoba.
Elgin SOLD
Prints Available
Rush Lake, Saskatchewan
"It is like a supernatural power is doing the painting. In my dreams, I have conversations with Rembrandt, Leonardo, Raphael, and we argue and they understand my struggle. I rise and paint for 10 or 15 hours until I am too tired to go on... I must get each brush stroke perfect. When I come downstairs in the morning, I cannot believe I have done the work that I see in morning light. I cannot explain how I am doing this."
-- Bill Hobbs, October 2006
Carman, Manitoba SOLD
Brandon Heritage Series, No. 3
Passing the Brandon Brewery,
Toronto Express Train circa 1935
PRINTS AVAILABLE
Tilston, Manitoba
Hartney, Manitoba
Melville, Manitoba
The town was named after Charles Melville Hays. He owned the Grand Trunk R. R. and drown on the Titanic
Virden
Komar Family collection
Minot, North Dakota, USA
I have a Hobbs railway painting. It is named "Snow Jam" A painting of Killarney Manitoba railway station in winter. Depicting a railway engine snowplow puffing away at plowing the track. There is no date. The paining is fully mounted in a wood frame and glass. 34 x 29 inches.
I live in California at present. But most of my life was lived at Killarney Manitoba; from 1927 until 1965. I was always fascinated by those huge C.P.R. engines which passed through town twice a day. We met the 4 PM passenger every Saturday in winter, westbound from Winnipeg carrying the Winnipeg Free Press so to get a quick start home by sleigh in the early darkening winter days.
At 5 years old, I could be found firmly planted on the edge of the station platform every Saturday to greet those monster's as it came in.
Hello Dr. Hobbs,
I just wanted to say that your work is amazing. I was recently shown some of your paintings and felt that I needed to have a couple. I purchased the Trespasser which I think is amazing. This picture brings back a ton of great memories. My wife and I were married at the Hotel Fort Gary and my Grandfather used to work for the railway. It's the perfect painting to be displayed in our home and will always be a great conversation piece.
Thank you so much!!
Shane Komar
His paintings have a dreamlike quality like you are standing on the platform in the mist...he lived through the steam era and he remembers it. It is an interpretation in his mind that he conveys to you through a scene that we do not know existed, but are lured into believing did...it is about capturing emotion, not logic.
--John Beeson
I took oil painting classes in the old train station and you gave me a tour of your gallery in Gainsborough in 1977. My favourite painting, of yours, was the one you did of an open window looking out onto a garden area after a rain with water droplets trickling down the window pane and making a puddle on the table below the window. This painting has come to my mind so many times. Of course, I love the "Forty Below Zero" painting of Gainsborough. You are one of Canada's greatest painters and I feel honoured to have met you in my lifetime.
Ann (Dell) D'Eon, Clementsport, Nova Scotia
He seems to understand why we love trains. I wish I lived in one of the paintings.
-- Ingrid
We love our town painting. The town isn't even there anymore...
-- Collector
Gimli, Manitoba
Komar Family Collection
prints available
Carnduff, Saskatchewan
Redvers, Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Railway Station
Komar Family Collection
Minnedosa, Manitoba
Ninga, Manitoba, click on image to enlarge --prints available
Great Northern Station,
Brandon, Manitoba
Neepawa, Manitoba
I have a Hobbs railway painting. It is named "Snow Jam" A painting of Killarney Manitoba railway station in winter. Depicting a railway engine snowplow puffing away at plowing the track. There is no date. The paining is fully mounted in a wood frame and glass. 34 x 29 inches.
I live in California at present. But most of my life was lived at Killarney Manitoba; from 1927 until 1965. I was always fascinated by those huge C.P.R. engines which passed through town twice a day. We met the 4 PM passenger every Saturday in winter, westbound from Winnipeg carrying the Winnipeg Free Press so to get a quick start home by sleigh in the early darkening winter days.
At 5 years old, I could be found firmly planted on the edge of the station platform every Saturday to greet those monster's as it came in.I'm over 80 now. With wonderful memories!
--Mr. Taylor
I was thrilled when I found the painting of this station on the Internet. The painting of the CPR station in Carnduff is wonderful but when I look at it I am reminded of all the experiences our family had there. I think I must look at that painting in a much different way than those who are fascinated by railways but have never lived intimately with them.
--Brian Avery
Dear Dr. Hobbs,
You have no idea the thrill I had when I accidently hit "Gainsborough" on the Google Earth Program and your paintings appeared. They captured a time and place which will never happen again. And the trains were exciting. That 40 below street scene in Gainsborough made me feel the sharp bite of cold air and the crisp squeak of frozen snow beneath ones shoes. You have made a wonderful contribution to the history of the prairies. ...
Neil Thompson
Dr. Hobbs' picture of the train and station at Melita, Manitoba is special.
My husband's grandfather, Frederick Watts, a professional photographer,
brought his wife and eight children from England to Melita in 1906. It's
wonderful to have this bit of history come alive.
LaVine Rathkey, Oregon, U.S.A.
Good evening Mr. Hobbs,
My daughter is a grade 11 student at Fr. Leo J. Austin C.S.S. in Whitby, Ontario and is currently working on a project about your paintings. She is
currently looking for any paintings of train stations in Saskatchewan. We have found one but were wondering if there were any more. We would also like to know if there was a book in the library that we would be able to look at as well. Any information you could supply us with would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
R. M.
Melville Station
The lady who commissioned this painting wanted that specific window of the station. That was where she remembered her father sitting with the light on. Great pressure was felt by Hobbs to ensure the memory was captured. The light in the windows took hours to accurately depict the glow of the lights. It was a VERY challenging painting because the lady had such vivid and detailed recollections of the view. The lady insisted the parapet where it is depicted and not all the way along the wall, there was countless hours of research to accurately depict the architecture. Perfection was achieved and the customer was enthusiastic up on receipt.
Hi Dr. Hobbs,
I have a print of the Pierson Manitoba railway station. Wonderful!!! I was wondering if there are any prints available on the painting Forty Below Zero? Not only are you a great artist but you are a great Doctor too. After all you brought me into this world! Take care.
Yours
Lynn White